The Guildford Society has campaigned for Guildford to adopt a Supplementary Planning Document to strenghten control on heights in the Town Centre in particular. See links below
We are delighted that progress is finally being made, as in response to a question at the council meeting 23rd July from Councillor Vanessa King who asked the Lead Councillor for Planning the question:
“The heights of buildings are an impactful aspect of many new developments in Guildford, most recently in the town centre, and it is important that the height of new developments is carefully considered within a strong policy framework. Would the Lead Councillor for Planning share details of action the Council is taking to address the issue of building heights throughout the Borough?”
The Lead Councillor for Planning replied:
“At the outset it is important to be clear that, outside of the Local Plan update, we cannot create new ‘policy’ on heights by setting a height threshold for any new proposals. We also know that this Plan update will take several years – that is the reality, even with Government proposals to accelerate the current plan-making process to around three years. However, I understand the concerns of many on this matter and I agree that there is a need for action in a shorter timescale.
The height of taller buildings has the potential to cause harm to local character, important views, heritage assets and our landscapes, which we want to avoid or mitigate. Concurrently, the Council is supportive of sensitive brownfield redevelopment that makes efficient use of land in sustainable locations such as the town centre. The cross-party Local Plan Panel discussed the need to achieve both of these objectives at our meeting late in December of last year.
I am pleased to say that following further exploratory work subsequent to that meeting, the Council will be progressing with a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to provide further guidance on tall buildings / heights.
Officers intend to bring forward an initial draft of this work to our Local Plan Panel before the end of this year. Once agreed internally, it will be consulted upon with our residents and other stakeholders. Whilst this SPD will provide clear guidance on our design expectations regarding height and taller buildings and form a material consideration for planning applications, it must supplement adopted policy.”
The quotes above are taken verbatim from the GBC Minutes.
We look forward to seeing a scope of policy being made available, and the the draft document that is due by end of 2024.
New Development: Height must be managed. View article
Recent approved schemes in the centre of Guildford have shown that large developments are not well controlled by the Local Plan Strategic Sites (LPSS) 2019 and its accompanying Development Management Policies (DMP). There is a lack of effective... View article
How high in Guildford Town View article
2nd February 2021 is the start of the appeal hearing for the Casino Site, on Bridge Street/Onslow Street, in the centre of Guildford.
The Casino Site owners as part of their appeal against rejection of a scheme to develop a 10 storey bu... View article
Help us make Guildford better
We want our town to be vibrant, attractive and liveable. We support development that brings a sense of place and enhances the best aspects of our town. If such aims can be embraced, we believe Guildford has the chance to lead the way in enabling sensitive and sustainable development.
Pressures for development are increasing. Planning rules are being eased. The Society’s commitment to standing up for Guildford is needed more than ever.
Support Us
Getting involved allows the society to continue its work. We welcome new members, from every age and background. Membership provides an opportunity for you to contribute to the continued health of the town and surrounding area, and to meet other people who care about Guildford.
