Last week’s Housing Committee committed to the next phase of council house building as it agreed to provide new homes on its Godstone Road car park, in Whyteleafe.

The Council hopes to build eight two-bedroom flats on the Godstone Road car park site, together with parking and landscaping, to help provide more affordable housing. Planning permission will be applied for later this year.

The car park is restricted to permit holders. In June 2015 the Council carried out a parking survey to assess the potential impact of the development proposals on parking in the area. The results found that even during peak periods of demand, there was still capacity within the existing car parks, as well on the street.

Before planning permission is applied for, the Council will commission a parking survey to test the earlier results. Discussions are also ongoing regarding improvements to existing parking provision, including Station Road car park and Whyteleafe recreation ground car park in Hillbury Road.

In working up its planning application the Council intends to work closely with local councillors and Whyteleafe Village Council to make sure the best results are achieved for the local community. The new flats will enhance that part of Whyteleafe and the Council also hopes to improve the appearance of one of its own properties at 238 Godstone Road.

If planning permission is given, work could start on the new homes as early as spring 2017. It is anticipated the total cost of the new homes will be £1.9 million.

Councillor David Weightman, Chairman of the Housing Committee, said: “We are committed to providing more affordable houses for our residents, while also improving the area and making it a more attractive place to live, work and visit.” 

There is a pressing need for affordable housing locally, with 38 families currently in temporary accommodation and waiting for a home. To be eligible to rent a council property, residents have to be on the housing register. To join please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." target="_blank">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..uk or call 01883 722000.