Council Starts to Process Public Feedback on Town Centre Master Plan Report

Published on: 25 Nov, 2015
Updated on: 26 Nov, 2015

Guildford Borough Council is taking the next steps in assimilating comments on the Town Centre Master Plan in events held over the past two months.

Some of the proposals contained in Allies & Morrison’s  report, such as opening up the river front, have attracted wide support but ideas on tackling the difficult problem of road congestion remain controversial.

A council spokesperson said: “Local people turned out in their hundreds at public exhibitions to find out proposed ideas for the future of Guildford’s town centre and have their say.

“The public considered new ideas such as a new riverside community park and ‘streets for people’ through more pedestrianised areas.”

The draft Town Centre Masterplan consultation ended after a six week process on November 16 and work has now begun to assess the responses. The council plans to provide an update on progress early 2016.

Cllr Paul Spooner (Con, Ash South & Tongham), lead councillor for planning and regeneration,  said: “This process has involved many individuals, organisations and groups. Parish councils, residents associations, businesses, everyone has had the opportunity to review the proposals and contribute their thoughts and ideas.

“What we want to understand is whether the ideas put forward match local people’s ambitions for Guildford’s future. Early indications show we are on the right track.

“An important part of this process is extracting parts of the draft Town Centre Masterplan that will fit with the Local Plan. Although the eventual Town Centre Masterplan will not be a statutory planning document, it will be an important piece of work outlining our intention for future development.

“After the consultation results, we will then look to see what parts we should progress for the final plan. I would like to take this opportunity to thank local people for sharing their views and taking part in this important next step in Guildford’s future.”

Artist’s impression of the possible view from Onslow Bridge. Opening up the river front is a major theme of the Town Centre Masterplan and one that seems to have attracted wide support.

Cllr Matt Furniss, (Con, Chritchurch), lead councillor for transport and infrastructure, added: “We have met with many people to talk through the proposals and what has struck us is how passionate people are about their town’s future.

“I have sought to find out what local residents think of better pedestrianised access to the town. If this is what they want, as outlined in the proposed ideas, then we will seek to deliver a transport strategy to match along with our partners including Surrey County Council and the Highways Agency.

“The town centre transport and infrastructure improvements are a part of the overall proposals for the borough wide transport strategy.

“Our analysis of the feedback will expose what local people believe to be right for the town, the next stage will be for us to consider how we make change happen over the coming years.”

To view the proposed ideas in the draft Town Centre Masterplan and access latest updates on the project visit www.guildford.gov.uk/tcmp.

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