Councillors voice concern at plans to convert former hairdressing salon

Plans to convert a former hairdressing salon into a one-bedroomed flat have met with concern from Godalming town councillors.

The plan to convert 35B Farncombe Street - which formerly housed the Headmasters salon - has been submitted to Waverley for decision on whether the changes will fall under permitted development rules.

The unit is owned by a group called Capital Land Holdings.

Godalming town councillors said at last week's environment and planning committee meeting they were concerned at the "accumulative effect" of allowing commercial units in Godalming to be converted tor residential use, saying that losing commercial space would result in loss of employment opportunities.

They also pointed out the scheme is contrary to the Godalming and Farncombe Neighbourhood Plan, which says that plans to establish or convert existing buildings in the centre of Farncombe to commercial use will be "strongly encouraged."