Guildford Park Road Approved

Approved

The Guildford Society was disappointed that the Planning Committee approved the Guildford Park Road Development (25/P/01522) on the 4^th March

The Society had no objections to the site being redeveloped and to provide much needed new housing.  However we were disappointed that for a scheme promoted by the council the Mass, Scale and Design was of very poor quality. 

Making developments demonstrate local distinctiveness can and should include the height, width and depth of buildings, the roof form, fenestration and solid to void ratios, amongst other things. At Guildford Park Road the four very similar blocks of flats will from many angles be viewed as a continuous wall of development mirroring the 'Great Wall of Guildford' (Solum Development) at the other side of the railway. 

The council needs to be leading the way in improving design standards in Guildford; this in our view is a major missed opportunity.

It should be noted that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which is the set of guiding policies applied to all developments states the following

1. Paragraph 131 states that high-quality, attractive, and sustainable buildings and places are essential outcomes of planning. It emphasizes that good design is vital for sustainable development, improving living and working spaces, and gaining community acceptance.
2. Paragraph 135 of the NPPF requires that decisions ensure developments are functional and contribute positively to the overall quality of the area. They should exhibit visual appeal through high-quality architecture, thoughtful layout, and suitably effective landscaping. Developments must also respect local character and history—including the surrounding built environment and landscape—while allowing for appropriate innovation or change without discouragement.
3. Paragraph 139 advises refusing poorly designed development, especially if it ignores local and government design guidance. In contrast, significant weight should be given to projects that follow these policies or feature innovative, sustainable designs that enhance overall standards and suit their surroundings.

We are surprised that even though four members of the Planning Committee expressed concern at the quality of design; including the Chair that full consideration wasn’t given to these paragraphs when considering the application. Para 139 in particular provides powers to consider design of applications.

We note that the officers report does consider our objections to the scheme and in their consideration of our comments states: 

‘That Council Officers have highlighted the use of tinted and textured concrete as a concern, as this is not a material that is prevalent in Guildford and from certain views, may seem worn, overly pastel in appearance and come with general maintenance and repair challenges including wearing and discolouring over time. Indeed, the use of good quality materials will be important in the delivery of a high-profile development that will be visible from various vantage points. However, it is considered that these concerns could be adequately addressed through the use of appropriately worded conditions. As such, it is reasonable that samples (including the erection of sample panels for the approval of the Council) and additional details are to be secured and controlled by condition’.

Although we continue to believe Mass and Scale of the development is wrong we hope that some proper considerations of the materials on the facades can at least provide some added variety to the scheme at this late stage.