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Our Website Has been Upgraded View article
We have implemented an upgrade to our Website to allow us to make the website easier to use, provide extra capabiliites to our audience and move to a later version of the underlying version of the software platform..
Users will notice t... View article
Could AI Finally Unclog England’s Planning System? View article
Planning delays have long been one of the biggest frustrations in England’s housing system, so it is not surprising that ministers are now looking to AI for help. Councils are set to test a Google-built planning tool aimed at speeding up decisi... View article
Better Connected View article
The Government has published a Strategy for Integrated Transport 'Better Connected', that adopts an approach of not considering transport as a series of different Modes e.g. Roads, Rail, but how best to facilitate journeys as an experien... View article
Missing NHS Facilities in Guildford? View article
The government is aiming to transform health care, by making the NHS work around the lives of patients - not vice versa.
One of the elements of this change is to create more neighbourhood health care centres across the country,... View article
Plan Making Process & Timescale View article
The government has implemented major changes to the system by which Local Plans are created and subsequently updated. The Guildford Society participated in two of the recent workshops involving Councilors and Local Groups which had the aim of:
... View article
The impact of Grey Belt Legislation View article
The London Green Belt Council and CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) Hertfordshire have collaborated on a report into the impact of the Grey Belt Planning changes implemented in the 2024 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
CPRE re... View article
A Much Loved Footpath to be Closed? View article
Guildford benefits from its position in the Downs, which provides great walks and views. East of Guildford we have two magnificent walking areas at Newlands Corner with its views to the South, and Pewley Down and the Chantries which offer views... View article
Nothing for Guildford View article
The Department of Transport (DfT) has announced details of the Road Investment Strategy 2026-2031 (The Strategy can be viewed at the foot of the post). There are no schemes announced that affect Guildford so improvements such as new slip ... View article
Local Plan Workshop View article
The Council agreed in 2024 to update/renew the Local Plan for the Borough. The Guildford Society participated in two of the recent workshops involving Councilors and Local Groups which had the aim of:
sharing information about Government... View article
England's New Land Use Framework View article
The government has unveiled its first land use framework, marking a significant step towards achieving the UK’s environmental targets. The purpose is for England; "it sets out how we can use our land more effectively. Changes are needed to... View article
Guildford Park Road Approved View article
The Guildford Society was disappointed that the Planning Committee approved the Guildford Park Road Development (25/P/01522) on the 4th March
The Society had no objections to the site being redeveloped and to provide much needed new housing. ... View article
Development at Stations View article
The government is promoting the principle of increasing development at Rail Stations and other transport mode. This is a sensible objective. However, in practice the supporting policies may have unintended consequences.
Government Supp... View article
Filling in the Countryside View article
Guildford is at risk as planning policies are being changed by revised the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) combined with a new Housing target for Guildford mandated by central government. Developers, sensing an opportunity, have applie... View article
Information Sources on Development
The Guildford Society
For over 100 years, the Society, the Civic Society for the area, has cared deeply about Guildford, its countryside, and its villages.
We cherish Guildford’s heritage and natural beauty, and we care just as much about the future we leave behind.
We know Guildford will grow and change, but we believe that change should strengthen what people love most about this place.
We want Guildford to be vibrant, welcoming, healthy, and liveable. We support thoughtful, sustainable development that exhibits good design quality and helps our town and surroundings thrive.
At a time of growing pressure for change, Guildford needs a strong, independent voice that puts the town and its future first.
Join us, a group of like-minded people, to help protect what makes Guildford special while shaping a better future for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.
Other Organisations
The Society engages with a variety of other organisations who share our interests and we share their links for information. We are also include links to Guildford Borough Council and other Government bodies and Developers of key sites. Finally we include other links of interest that are related to the borough.