Changes to the Built Environment

 

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Small, Expensive, Outdated Housing View article The Resolution Foundation has published its first Housing Outlook for 2024. The report highlights that Britain’s housing offers the worst value for money of any advanced economy, combining high prices with old, cramped, poorly insulated buil... View article Clandon Park - Latest Plans View article The National Trust are holding three exhibitions on their current plans for Clandon House, during March, which was almost destroyed by a fire a in 2015. The National Trust will be sharing their current proposals, which follow on from previous... View article We can now see the reality. View article The Solum scheme at Guildford Station emphasises the inappropriateness of high buildings in Guildford Centre. The first part of the Solum redevelopment has now been completed as the north block of dwellings on the station car park.  This bloc... View article Flood Risk Management Scheme for Guildford Town Centre. View article The Environment Agency, Guildford Borough Council, and Surrey County Council are collaborating to create a flood risk management scheme for Guildford town centre. The aims of the scheme are to: reduce flood risk to the town centre benefit ... View article A Visit to a Highly Praised Development View article A group from the Guildford Society visited the Elephant Park - West Grove - South (previously known as Orchard Gardens) in the Elephant Castle, London recently.  We were joined by several Guildford Councilors and Planning Officers. We we... View article Solar Energy and Electrical Storage View article Renewable developer Clearway Energy Group has completed a 452-megawatt (MW) solar farm in West Texas, that can power over 190,000 homes annually.  The $660 million facility requires around 5,000 acres (7 Sq/miles or 20 Sq/KM) of land a... View article The Phoenix in Lewes has received planning permission View article The Society has been following with interest The Phoenix development proposed for Lewes for over a year.  We were lucky to have had a presentation from the developers Human Nature last November. The Observer Guardian has piblished 17/3/24 a a... View article Local Plan Review View article The Council is required to review the Local Plan: strategy and sites (LPSS) within five years of adoption to decide if an update to the Plan is required. GBC Officers have considered changes since the adoption of the LPSS in 2019 and are recommending... View article 2164 Miles in Surrey View article Surrey County Council is responsible for around 2164 miles (3482 km) of public rights of way, which exist both in the in the countryside and urban areas. SCC highlight they are important for recreation, for travelling to work or school and for health... View article Shaping Guildford's Future - Update View article The Society has supported the development of a Masterplan for the Town centre and has been frustrated by the lack of progress in bringing forward a plan for approval.  This has been in part due to budgetary constraints. At the full Council Me... View article Society Objects to Law College Redevelopment View article The proposal is to redevelop the site to provide via demolition/retention of existing buildings and erection of new buildings the provision of extra care housing (Use Class C2), this would also include reconfiguring associated ancillary accommodation... View article Changes to the Planning System - A Christmas Present? View article On the 19th December Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, announced a series of changes to the Planning System in a speech at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). (See link at foot of Post).&nb... View article A Bridge Needing Repair? View article Having been constructed in 1896 the pedestrian bridge crossing from beside the  Yvonne Arnaud Theatere to Millmead is showing signs of its age.  The Iron Strap Work on the bridge sides is rusting badly in places with some straps being ... View article North Street Approved 4th December View article The Planning application 23/P/01211 for the scheme consented by the planning committee, subject to finalisation of conditions, in October 2023 was finally  approved on the 4th December 2023 after conditions had been agreed with Council. Appea... View article Two Approved Schemes for one Site!!! View article Frome, in Somerset, has a population of about 25,000 people.  The town has a lengthy history as an industrial centre, being  full of factories, the last disappearing early in 21st century.  The industrial sites have been redeveloped ... View article London Seeks to increase housing standards View article The UK has a set of minimum space standards for buildings describing the spce required for various building types. In June 2023, the Mayor of London published Housing Design Standards, a London Plan Guidance document. This includes a table fo... View article

Selected National & Local Planning Policies

The Guildford Society

The Guildford Society has been an active voice, speaking up for the town and its surrounding countryside and villages for over a century.  

While mindful of the past, our heritage and precious environment, we look firmly to the future

We recognise that development must, and will, take place. However, we do not believe this should be at the expense of Guildford’s historic character and beauty, nor of the unspoilt countryside that surrounds it. 

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.  

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.

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.