Surrey neighbourhood to be transformed with new ThamesWey Developments scheme

Plans have been submitted for a post-war housing estate in Surrey to be transformed.

The neighbourhood will become ‘sustainable and community-focused’ according to ThamesWey Developments Ltd, the planners behind the project.

The proposals will regenerate Sheerwater, said to be a deprived suburb, into a neighbourhood named Canalside, meeting the future needs of local residents.

ThamesWey’s chief executive, Mark Rolt, said: “We’re looking forward to getting started on Canalside - a fantastic, environmentally-friendly project that will create a truly sustainable community.

“BDP has been a key contributor to the development of the scheme and their focus on translating our objectives of increasing the density of both dwellings and parking while increasing open space and car free areas into viable designs has been invaluable.”

The plans were put forward by ThamesWey Developments Ltd, as developer, on behalf of Woking Borough Council and were approved yesterday evening (April 9).

An artist’s impression of the Canalside development.

The old 1950s homes will be replaced with a variety of new ones, for rent and sale, that are ‘energy efficient’ and suitable for all ages.

Nick Fairham, architect director at BDP, the architects behind the masterplan, added: “It’s excellent news that plans for Canalside have been given the go ahead.

“The masterplan for this area sets out the developer’s vision to create a sustainable, high quality and well-connected neighbourhood with many community benefits.”

He continued: “We have prioritised cycling and pedestrian routes to key community buildings, meaning streets are car-free, whilst there is a strong emphasis on green spaces.

“Individual areas, defined by their own unique character, are centered on parkland, whilst a variety of housing meets demand from people across multiple generations to help foster mixed, balanced communities.”

Set in five neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct identity, the new homes are designed to be contemporary, with a mixture of mews houses and low-rise apartment buildings, each overlooking landscaped gardens or parkland.

The parks and gardens will include habitats that encourage wildlife and water management systems will see rainwater collected and used to aid the gardens.

A new community hub will provide amenities including shops, a doctors’ surgery, nursery and community centre.