Architect's drawing of the proposed new Brotherhood House (right) on the site of South Station. The other building shown is the original Anglican chapel which is currently used as the living quarters for the Brotherhood. (Courtesy of Orthodox News, Summer 2003)
The St Edward Brotherhood has been granted permission to build additional accommodation on the site of the old South Station. The application for the erection of a two storey building, which will include eight monastic cells, a dining room and library was deferred in May 2003, to take account of the design, effect on the Green Belt, the Brookwood Cemetery Conservation Area, and locally listed buildings. The Woking Borough Council Planning Committee at this time considered that a new scheme should incorporate features to enhance the site and open it to the public.
Revisions of the plans were made regarding the scale and design of the proposed building and its impact on the surrounding area. It is proposed that the former mortuary building will be used as a guest- house and community centre. Since May 2003 the Council has received thirty-eight representations in favour of the Brotherhood's proposed new house.
Because of the acute accommodation needs of the St Edward Brotherhood and the role they play in both the local and wider community, the planning committee said that after examining the evidence, very special circumstances existed to justify overriding Green Belt policy in the case. This is a unique situation, which would not be replicated elsewhere and would not set a precedent. The application was agreed subject to conditions and its referral to the Secretary of State. As a consequence the St Edward Brotherhood has launched a Building Fund.
The St Edward Brotherhood welcomes donations to their Building Fund, and cheques should be payable to the "King Edward Orthodox Trust Company Ltd".
Donations should be sent to: The Very Reverend Archimandrite Alexis, St Edward Brotherhood, St Cyprian's Avenue, Brookwood, Woking, Surrey GU24 0BL