Large, Controversial Developments Planned for Guildford – Will Infrastructure Cope?

Published on: 26 Dec, 2025
Updated on: 26 Dec, 2025

Outline of the proposed development on Gosden Hill Farm. Guildford Borough Council/ Martin Grant Homes

By Emily Dalton

local democracy reporter

More than 3,000 homes could be built in Guildford over the next few years as developers target farmland, car parks and village edges.

Developments including 1,800 homes east of the A3 and 950 homes between Normandy and Flexford are among the proposals under consideration which could see major changes to the region in the coming years.

The plans have raised questions about green belt protection, congestion on the roads, and the future character of Surrey’s county town.

Many of the plans are due to be decided in early 2026.

In Gosden Hill, plans for 1,800 homes on farmland between Burpham and the A3 would create a major new neighbourhood and become one of the biggest housing schemes in Guildford’s modern history, if approved.

See: Proposal for 1,800 Homes and a Whole New Neighbourhood at Gosden Hill

The 130 hectare (321 acre) scheme includes about 720 affordable homes, new primary and secondary schools, plus shops and healthcare facilities, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Developers Martin Grant Homes has said the site could become the “gateway for Guildford”, but residents have expressed concerns over the loss of countryside and fears roads would be “inadequate” to deal with extra traffic.

Responses to Large, Controversial Developments Planned for Guildford – Will Infrastructure Cope?

H Trevor Jones Reply

December 27, 2025 at 10:52 am

I believe we do need extra housing and I would like to assume that developers have chosen the best places for putting it.

While there will obviously be needs for some families with children who may feel they need a car to cart them around, there will also be needs for many singles and couples who might not need a car, provided there’s good frequent public transport provision to places they most often wish to go.

I believe one reason why I, a single person, am relatively well off is that I’ve never learnt to drive, so have never saddled myself with the costs of buying and running a car.
Patrick Bray Reply

December 27, 2025 at 12:29 pm

These plans always seem to target the green belt. The developers target the best place for them to make money not for building communities.

I think all housing development should be planned by government and delivered by companies. If the politics could be kept to a minimum we could build a better society.

I would really like to see a nationalised house building company too but I imagine that it would be a step too far.

Infrastructure is all important, there is no point in wishing we had an effective public transport system. We have to think differently, new technology may well deliver cleaner, flexible transport options.