Planning applications: Downside Goods Yard access road

UPDATE: The 21-day consultation period for both planning application closed on Friday 11 November 2022. The planning applications remain online for public viewing.

To view one or both of the applications, visit the Planning Portal and search using the application reference numbers.

Temporary access road application.
Reference number: PLAN/2022/0935
Permanent access road application.
Reference number: PLAN/2022/0936

Two planning applications have been submitted to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to propose temporary and permanent access arrangements for the Downside Goods Yard in Woking Town Centre.

The separate planning applications, submitted on Monday 3 October, propose a temporary access road via York Road and Bradfield Close, and a permanent access road via the existing access point in Guildford Road.

The original proposals, published in summer 2021, have been revised following pre-planning engagement with affected residents and businesses. The final applications do not include the need to compulsory purchase the properties in Waverley Court or York Road.

Both applications have been submitted at the same time to ensure that residents, stakeholders, and decision-makers have the opportunity to review the applications together with clarity and certainty for future plans.

The current goods yard access road

The existing access road serving the Downside Goods Yard is located in Guildford Road on the south-side of the Victoria Arch bridge. As part of the Victoria Arch widening scheme, it is proposed to improve the outdated railway bridge and highway underneath and on both sides of the arch.

If the proposed scheme works are approved, the existing goods yard access road would close and a temporary alternative access created to ensure businesses based within the yard can maintain their commercial activities.

Planning application one: Temporary access road proposals

The temporary planning application submitted proposes an access road via Bradfield Close, situated on the goods yard’s southern boundary. Subject to planning consent, the yard’s operational traffic would enter and exit the goods yard from A320 Guildford Road, via York Road and Bradfield Close.

To minimise the impact of operational vehicles on the surrounding residential areas, a vehicle weight restriction is proposed for York Road (after the roundabout with Bradfield Close) and along the entire length of Montgomery Road and Mount Hermon Road.

If approved, the temporary access road works and operations would include:

  • A two-way ramped vehicular and pedestrian access into the goods yard from the northernmost end of Bradfield Close.
  • The widening of the central section of Bradfield Close to allow a one-way traffic management system and HGVs to pass each other on the rest of the route.
  • The widening of the highway and road surface improvements at the roundabout junction of York Road and Bradfield Close.
  • Improvement to the pedestrian crossing facilities located along the northern side of York Road as the road passes Bradfield Close.
  • A proposed 7.5 tonnes HGV ban on Mount Hermon Road and York Road (to the west of Bradfield Close).
  • Proposed on-street parking restrictions on York Road (between Bradfield Close and Guildford Road) to allow HGV lorries to pass each other.

To view the full application and assessment reports for the temporary access road, visit the Planning Portal and search the online system using reference number: PLAN/2022/0935.

Planning application two: Permanent access road proposals

On completion of the Victoria Arch bridge and highway works, the proposed temporary access to the goods yard would close and the existing access road permanently reinstated at its current location in Guildford Road.

Subject to planning consent, works to re-establish the permanent access road would include:

  • The widening of the goods yard access road allowing separate entry and exit vehicle movements, the provision of a large central pedestrian refuge island within the access road and improved visibility.
  • The lowering of the access road along the mid-section to allow a flatter, final approach to Guildford Road.
  • New retaining structures on either side of the access road.
  • A terraced maintenance access bay along the southern boundary of the access road, allowing level maintenance/service access to the existing commercial/residential development located to the south.

To view the full application and assessment reports for the permanent access road, visit the Planning Portal and search the online system using reference number: PLAN/2022/0936.

Resident engagement

To keep locally affected residents and businesses informed of the planning applications and status, we have written to properties located in York Road, Bradfield Close Montgomery Road, and parts of Guildford Road. 

View a copy of the planning applications non-statutory notification letter

How to review and comment on the planning applications

After the Local Planning Authority has received and validated a planning application, it undertakes a period of consultation where views on the proposed development can be expressed and recorded.

The formal consultation period for the Downside Goods Yard access road planning applications ran for 21 days and closed at 11.59pm on Friday 11 November 2022. 

To view one or both of the applications, visit the Planning Portal and use the search box to find the application(s).

  • Temporary access road application: PLAN/2022/0935
  • Permanent access road application: PLAN/2022/0936

Search the Planning Portal

To promote the planning applications the Local Planning Authority has:

  • Notify nearby and affected residents, businesses, and stakeholders via letter.
  • Advertise the applications in the public notice section of the Woking News and Mail newspaper.
  • Publish the public notices on the council's website.

Latest updates

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