Letter: Over-inflation of Housing Need Figures Requires Correction

Published on: 1 Oct, 2018
Updated on: 1 Oct, 2018

From: Amanda Mullarkey

chair of the Guildford Residents Association

In response to: There Has Been No Collapse in Housing Need

Who is talking about a “collapse” in housing need? Certainly not Guildford Residents Association.

Expert Neil MacDonald’s assessment that 460 homes a year would support ambitious growth of Guildford’s economy is not based on the new standard formula figures. It is based on modelling Guildford’s demographic and economic need using the previous approach and sharing method and assumptions with GL Hearn. He applies the higher economic growth rate proposed by the Inspector for our dynamic university town.

460 homes a year would represent much needed significant expansion of Guildford’s housing provision. For those familiar with the site, it would mean building the equivalent of well over two Boxgrove Gardens a year for the next 20 years. This would be a step change in previous provision.

Currently, the draft Plan being examined proposes sites for 755 homes a year on the assumption 630 of these would be built each year, plus 42 annually for Woking.

Yes, we need and propose more homes. We also need to correct for the flaws that have over-inflated need assessment to date and a sense check on providing sites for over 750 homes a year as currently proposed.