It is instructive to visit Walnut Tree Close as many of the new buildings are completed or almost complete.
It is an opportunity missed to plan an effective set of buildings that related to each other, create a sense of place, aid transport, and provided new opportunities to interact with the River Wey.
Walnut Tree Close is turning into a area with a large Student element plus a Private Rental Sector. The Planning System seems to have failed to deliver any facilities e.g. Small Shop, Open Space etc.
Walnut Tree Close is a narrow road with inadequate pavements for what is planned as a non-car using population (little parking is allocated). Surrey County Council are running a short experiment to make Walnut Street one-way (See Below). It is unclear how Walnut Tree Close is going to be evolved, the Weyside Development are now proposing a cycleway to link Weyside to the station. Maybe to rescue the situation Walnut Tree Close should be made a pedestrian/cycle boulevard?
The opportunity to link the River Wey to Walnut Tree Close has in the most part been ignored. Properly designed buildings would have allowed access and views through to the river and made the best of views to Dapdune Wharf.
The masterplan is an opportunity to define and create quarters in Guildford Town, in conjunction with residents, that have a sense of place and make best use of the natural advantages and heritage Guildford offers.
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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.
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