St Edward, the developers of North Street, have produced details as to how the scheme will impact the views in the town in accordance with the Town Centre Views SPD. These annotated pictures, in several cases, show how North Street, if built, relates to other schemes being built or subject to planning in the town centre.
As an example, it is interesting to see how the view (North Street, Guildford - Townscape and Visual impact Assessment - Representative View No 4 Hog's Back Page 58) will change over time if North Street, Solum/Station (being built at present), and Guildford Park Road ,are all built.
The schemes will have a major impact on views across Guildford as well as the townscape within the town. There will be a series of large developements stretching from Guildford Park Road to the proposed development at the St Mary's/Debenhams site. We could see other schemes comming forward e.g. the proposal to add extra stories to No 1 Onslow Stereet ex. Sanofi house.
The society believes it is imperative to show how major schemes will impact and interact with each other; and more importantly the rest of the town centre. This needs to cover both distant views and as experienced at ground level within the town.
Large bulky buildings can make for very hostile street environments.
The council have tools to enable this as a computer model (VU.City) and this should be made public so schemes can be made visible. The model covers 22sq km to 15CM of accuracy 102,672 Trees accurate to height and canopy and 31,362 Buildings.
The Computer model as shown on the Vu.City site has several interesting views of Guildford which are attached as pictures below.
The Council are embarked on determing a series of sites which will impact Guildford for generations. There needs to be public visibility of the totality of what is proposed. All developers need to contribute to the computer model and visualisations.
We have also yet to see how these developmentsrelate to the Town Centre Masteplan proposals.
Below are pictures of
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.
