Policy information sourced from the Woking Development Management Policies Development Plan Document (DPD).
DM9: Flats above shops and ancillary accommodation
Flats Above Shops
Where proposals fall outside the remit of permitted development rights, the change of use of vacant or under-used accommodation above shops to residential purposes will be permitted in accordance with other policies in the Development Plan, and provided:
- it meets relevant space standards;
- it would not undermine the economic vitality of the immediate area;
- the property can be satisfactorily occupied as a self-contained dwelling unit;
- there is suitable access to amenity space having regard to the general principles in the Outlook, Amenity, Privacy and Daylight SPD and the Design SPD; and
- there is a safe access and egress route during flood events.
The appropriate car parking standards for such developments will be decided taking into account the locational characteristics of the site, including its proximity to key services and public transport accessibility.
Ancillary accommodation
Ancillary residential extensions, including ‘granny annexes’ and staff accommodation, designed in accordance with Core Strategy policy CS21 and the Council’s Design SPD, will be permitted provided they share a common access with the main dwelling and are physically incorporated within it, and are designed in such a way that renders them incapable of being occupied separately from the main dwelling. Freestanding units that can demonstrate they are genuinely ancillary to the occupation of the main house will be considered in light of the character and amenities of the area and may be subject to conditions restricting their occupancy. Separate, freestanding, independent accommodation will be treated in the same way as a proposal for a new dwelling.
The requirements of Policy CS8: Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Areas of the Core Strategy will apply where relevant.
For more information please see the Development Plan Document