former Independent borough councillor

St Edward gave its latest presentation on their revised planning application for North Street last night.

In January the council planning committee refused the original application by developers St Edward.

The major reason for refusal was the closure of the current access for buses into the bus station. Bus operators, Surrey County Council (as highways and transport authority ) and bus users (including myself) strongly objected because closure would have a major effect on bus services and cause traffic congestion.

The new application reinstates the current access alongside The Friary so the major reason for refusal has been removed

Another issue was the lack of sufficient affordable housing on-site. The developers now propose 10 per cent “affordable” housing of 16 shared ownership and 31 “affordable rent”.

Developers have apparently convinced officers that this percentage still makes the scheme financially viable for them. If so, there will be no “social rent” housing accommodation for the low-paid and residents on the council’s housing waiting list

However, in fairness to St Edward, their  revised scheme reduces the highest building by two storeys, changes the development’s overall scale, mass and visual impact, improves design and  provides more open space

If the new application (with appropriate amendments) is not approved,  St Edward could pursue its appeal against the previous refusal or walk away. If their appeal is successful, they could still build out the previous application which is considerably inferior to the revised proposals

North Street clearly needs regeneration. St Edward’s revised scheme may not be inspiring but comes the nearest to a development which may actually be built. Otherwise, the site may well stay vacant for many more years to come.

This is my personal opinion after 20 years as a councillor. I am certainly not on commission to St Edward or anyone else. I objected to the original application but was not a member of the Planning Committee which decided to refuse.

It is for residents to now comment and the GBC Planning Committee to decide at its meeting on October 11

I would recommend Guildford residents and visitors look at last night’s presentation and decide for themselves. Last night’s event was recorded and I am told will be viewed shortly on (www.northstreetregeneration.co.cuk).