Public Consultation on Controversial High Street Scheme Ending Soon

Published on: 22 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 23 Sep, 2026

Former M&Co Premises at 69 Godalming High Street. Google

By Chris Caulfield

local democracy reporter

There are only a few remaining days left for residents to have their say on a controversial multi-million pound town centre housing scheme in Godalming.

Earlier this month Waverley Borough Council invited people in to take a closer look at proposals for 13 new affordable homes at the rear of the former M&Co building the High Street ahead of a formal planning application.

The council has said the homes, part of a regeneration project that will also convert the long-vacant shopfront into a cafe, will provide much-needed housing and make a real difference to people struggling to find somewhere affordable to live.

Illustrative image of what housing to the rear of 69 High Street Godalming could look like. Waverley Borough Council

Critics have called the scheme an “ego-project” that will lumber residents with a near £11 million development that could have provided far more homes elsewhere in the borough.

Waverley Borough Council held a drop-in session for its plans on Tuesday, September 15, allowing people to see the plans first hand and discuss it with the team behind the project.

Views can still be shared online until Sunday, September 27.

The council is seeking to convert the brownfield land to the rear of 69 High Street into a mix of studio, one‑bed and two‑bed apartments.

These will then be made available at affordable rent levels for those on Waverley Borough Council’s housing register.

The cost of the project has spiralled since it was first conceived leading to critics arguing the council had lost control of the scheme but officers say they are working with Homes England to explore funding options.

The housing forms the second phase of the wider 69 High Street project with the cafe acting as an enabling development to help cover some of the overall costs.

Etec Group has taken on the project and work has already begun with café and bar operator Loungers confirmed as its incoming tenant.

Once the results of the drop-in session and online survey are known, the council said it would submit a planning application, where once again residents will also have the opportunity to take part.

Have Your Say Today – Waverley Housing – Commonplace