Bright Hill (Robin Hood)

Type and Status

Scheme at Pre-Application Stage

LPSS 2019 Site No A11

Scale

3-5 Storeys

32 Dwellings

Site Size 0.47HA for Car Park and ex Robin hood Site.

Developer

AMA Investments Ltd is a family-owned business focussed on development in the South East.

Architect

Quarry Architects (Previously known as Lytle Associates)

Comment

The site has had a complex history over the last few years. 

Guildford Borough Council identified the Bright Hill site in the LPSS 2019, but excluded the Robin Hood Pub which was still in operation, and subsequently initiated design studies, the results of this have never been published.

AMA acquired the former Robin Hood Public House site in 2021 and planning permission for its redevelopment was subsequently granted in 2023.   This granted application allows for 4 storey Building containing a ground flood F&B use, likely to be a Wine Bar, and five flats- application No 22/P/00569

AMA have subsequently been in discussions with  Guildford Borough Council (GBC) to explore the opportunity to acquire the lower tier of Bright Hill car park, would allow a more efficient use of the site and enable a larger redevelopment proposal. Contracts for the purchase of the land were formally exchanged in December 2025.

The proposed scheme provides

• 32 homes on an allocated brownfield town centre site
• It is proposed to locate these in three residential buildings responding to Guildford’s character and heritage
• New planting, landscaped communal courtyards, biodiversity enhancements and a widened public footpath will be provided
• The homes will be sustainable and energy-efficient supported by green roofs and renewable technologies
• Secure basement parking and substantial cycle storage will be part of the design to support sustainable travel and reduce the visual impact of vehicles at street level

Bright Hill Car Park will be stabilised with new embankments and walls at allow the current upper two tiers to be operated in full.  Several areas of the car park are currently unusable due to poor ground conditions.

Sydenham Road will be revamped in front of the development being restricted to one traffic lane and existing on street parking removed.  The junction between Bright Hill and Sydenham Road will be improved.

Summary of LPSS 2019 Policy A11

The site is allocated for approximately 40 homes (C3)

Requirements

(1) Retain as much public car parking as possible

(2) Preserve important views from the top of the site across Guildford, and of the Cathedral

Opportunities

(1) Improvements to landscaping and biodiversity given the full extent of hardstanding on this site Description

Ownership

Car Park - Guildford Borough Council Area (size) 0.47 ha and site of the now demolished Robin Hood Pub AMA Developments

Key considerations

(1) Visually prominent elevated site

(2) Views

(3) Conservation area

(4) Quantity of public parking

(5) Setting of locally listed buildings