New cafe and social hub set for Surrey village

Plans for a new cafe and social hub in Cranleigh have been given the go-ahead.

Waverley Borough Council’s planning committee has approved the development of Stocklund Square, which built after the village's railway station closed in 1965.

Supporters say the new cafe, with outside seating and a pavilion, will increase visitors to the village and help rejuvenate the area.

Charlie Minty, speaking on behalf of the application, said: “It's an unattractive space. People hurry through. Nobody dwells. Bringing this space alive is positive."

Mr Minty said nearby businesses would benefit, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He said the square could be used to broadcast events or concerts to "contribute more to the village".

Objections were lodged during the application's initial stages, but the meeting heard concerns over the design had been resolved.

New features included using railway sleepers, in a nod to the site’s history, as well as reshaping the cafe.

Bike storage and a canopy will also be added to the existing building.

The plan was unanimously approved last Wednesday.

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