A planning application by Lidl to build a supermarket on the Quadrant Court site on Guildford Road has been refused by Woking Borough Council.

The application, PLAN/2026/0380, sought “Demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment for retail store with associated parking, landscaping and access works”.

However, in its decision to turn down the application, the council cited “an inefficient use of land within this highly sustainable location”.

The decision notice stated: “The site lies in a very sustainable location, within Woking town centre and within walking distance of Woking railway station (a well-connected station) and several bus routes.

“The proposal includes a low-rise single-storey retail unit along with a large surface car park, which has a low density of development and low plot coverage. The proposed development thus represents an inefficient use of land within this highly sustainable location.

“The NPPF (August 2026) advocates that developments should make optimal use of vacant and underutilised land and buildings, and airspace above existing residential and commercial premises in meeting the need for homes and other uses.

“The NPPF (August 2026) also advocates that higher densities of development within reasonable walking distance of a well-connected station are supported, and that development proposals that do not make efficient use of land should be refused.”

NPPF refers to the National Planning Policy Framework.

The council decision also notes that “The application site is capable of accommodating more development, for example a comprehensive mixed-use scheme involving a supermarket and housing.”

Prior to Lidl submitting the application the News & Mail reported that a public consultation conducted by the supermarket giant showed more than 75 per cent of respondents confirmed their support for the plans.

However in public comments to the council on the application there were 80 objections and 67 supporting.

Lidl was approached for comment.

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