St Mary’s Wharf Development - Objection Submitted

10 December 2021

Inappropriate Scheme for the Town Centre

The Society Today submitted an objection the currently proposed scheme for St Mary’s Wharf.

The Society believes that the site is one of the most important sites to be brought forward for development in Guildford over the last few decades.  As Cllr John Rigg highlighted we need a ‘good high quality viable proposal’. Our view is the current proposal will do lasting damage to the Town Centre, and we would question its long-term viability.

Our main objections

Heritage – where the scheme has a major impact to views of heritage assets.

Scale, Height, & Massing – this is entirely out of proportion to the site being twice as high as the existing building.

Precedent – If allowed it would set dangerous precedent for other sites potentially to be developed in the Town Centre for height and Mass

Architecture – We feel the proposed Architecture does little to enhance the Town

Public and Community Benefits – there is limited efforts to open up the riverside, and it is a site that needs a good ‘attractor’ as it a key site in Guildford    7

Guildford Economic Regeneration Plan – if consented it may close off options being considered as part of the Guildford Economic Regeneration Plan

Site Access – No good access is provided to link into the lower high street.

Housing and Viability – Although the extra housing is welcome the Town Centre is already providing more than is scheduled in the Local Plan.  We would argue a mixed-use development with less dwelling space would be better

Sustainability – We have concerns in this time of a ‘Climate Emergency’ on aspects of amajor new development.

The full letter of objection can be read below

Full Details of the Planning application are at 21/P/02232 on the GBC Website

 

Images

Downloads

Share this article

Related Articles
Debenhams is Closing View article The Debenhams site is an opportunity for the Town -- we should not lose it. Today 1-12-2020 the demise of Debenhams was annouced.  This is obviously a major concern to the many Debenhams employees, particulalry as other retail jobs are not re... View article Debenhams site sold for redevelopment View article The Times is reporting 9-12-2020 that M&G Real Estate have concluded a sale of the Debenhams site to Native Land.   The Guildford Society welcomes a developer, Native Land, with energy and ideas taking on the Debenhams Site.  Na... View article Debenhams Site - St Marys Wharf Consulta... View article Native Land have appointed a team to propose a design for the site. The Society has added a page to the website to keep track of progress of the development.  The team have now published a initial ideas for the site, and to kee... View article St Marys Wharf - Second Consultation -Th... View article Native Land, have now who have acquired the Debenhams site, have now issued an interim update on their emerging ideas.  The site has been renamed as St Marys Wharf. The update, which is available for comment until the 21st May, builds on the ... View article Guildford Society Responds to St Marys W... View article

The Society welcomes moves redevelop the Debenhams site.  However, we consider the scheme, as presented during this 3rd Consultation, is fundamentally flawed. 

 

View article
Guildford St Mary's Wharf Planning Submi... View article Native Land have submitted a planning application 21/P/02232 to Guildford Borough Council concerning their plans for St Mary’s Wharf (Debenhams Site) in the Town Centre.  The application is undergoing a process of validation by G... View article St Marys Update View article The proposals for the redevelopment of the Debenhams site on the River Wey to form a new St Mary’s Wharf development continue to attract comment on the Guildford Borough Planning website.  Many support the application but those, includi... 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.