Ash Gets Ready To Go to the Polls To Vote On a New Neighbourhood Plan

Published on: 29 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 30 Sep, 2026

The new estate south of Ash Lodge Drive: just one of many local housing developments. GBC says the Ash Neighbourhood Plan, if approved, will “help ensure that future growth happens in a way that reflects local aspirations”

Residents of Ash will be voting on whether to adopt the Ash Neighbourhood Plan at a local referendum to be held on Thursday, October 29. Poll cards have begun arriving at homes in the area.

Neighbourhood Plans give local communities a greater say in how development is managed in their area. The Ash Neighbourhood Plan was prepared by Ash Parish Council in consultation with residents and other local stakeholders.

If a majority of voters support the Plan in the referendum, it will become part of the Guildford borough’s statutory Development Plan and will be used in determining planning applications within the parish.

Ash Parish Council has said the policies written into the Neighbourhood Plan will not be affected by next year’s local government reorganisation.

The result of the referendum is due to be published on the Guildford Borough Council website on Friday, October 30.

Cllr Julia McShane

Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of the Council, said:  “The Ash Neighbourhood Plan was developed by the community, reflecting the views and priorities of residents, businesses and stakeholders across the area. The referendum is an important opportunity for local people to decide whether the Plan should help shape future development in Ash.

“If approved by voters, the Neighbourhood Plan will play a key role in guiding planning decisions in the area. I would encourage all eligible residents to take the time to read the Plan and make sure they are registered to vote by Tuesday, October 13, ahead of the referendum on Thursday, October 29.”

It is important to remember that while Neighbourhood Plans give communities significant influence, they cannot be used to prevent the development needed to meet present and future housing needs across the borough. GBC has told us: “Instead, they help ensure that growth happens in a way that reflects local aspirations and strengthens the character of the area.”

Ash Parish Council held a consultation on the draft Plan before submitting it to GBC. The borough council carried out an additional consultation, and the Plan was then assessed by an independent examiner.

The inspector recommended some specific amendments but the Plan’s major policies have been accepted. The amendments have now been made into a version that will be the focus of the referendum.

Residents can view the Plan:

• on the Guildford Borough Council website

• at the borough council offices, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, GU2 4BB, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

• at Ash Library during opening hours

A detailed map of the Ash Neighbourhood area is available online.

Residents living in Ash parish who wish to take part in the referendum must be registered to vote by Tuesday, October 13. Anyone already registered does not need to apply again.

There are three ways to vote – in person, by post or by proxy. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday October 29. Details of the relevant polling station will be shown on each voter’s poll card.

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