The new development at the Guildford Station, was a subject of a hard fought planning enquiry, after the development was originally rejected by Guildford Council. Solum, the developer of Guildford Station currently underway, have proposed a somewhat similar development next to Redhill Station.
A Planning Inspector has rejected an application to build two towers at Redhill station after a long running campaign by local residents. Developers Solum Regeneration had been hoping to build to the height of 14 and 15 stories next to Redhill station and had appealed the refusal of planning permission by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council in 2024.
Although the planning inspector recognised that the scheme had the benefit of providing 255 housing units that carried substantial weight towards approving the scheme, she was concerned about, and afforded very substantial weight to, the adverse effects on the character and appearance of the area. In addition, impacts were identified on designated heritage assets and also non-designated heritage assets.
The written statement from the Planning Inspector stated that the development would be "identifiable and memorable given its height and scale" but "not be a grand architectural statement". In addition the statement stated that the development would "increase the urban character of the town and decrease the town's relationship with and understanding of its surroundings".
From the brief details seen so far there may be lessons for Guildford particularly the importance placed on the character and appearance of the area.
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