Letter: Rural Roar Sharing a Platform with the Great and the Good

Published on: 15 Oct, 2026
Updated on: 15 Oct, 2026

Tom Walker addressing the East Horsley meeting on the grey belt.

From Paula Moss

founder of the Rural Roar Campaign

See: Villagers Hear That the ‘Grey Belt’ Policy Should Be Suspended Until Reviewed

I had the opportunity to share a platform with some of the borough’s leaders, last Friday night (October 9), including Zoe Franklin MP, Fiona White (Planning Committee Lead at GBC) George Potter Borough Councillor and the inimitable Catherine Young (GBC councillor) and Claire Upton Brown (Chief Planning Officer at Guildford & Waverly).

It was an interesting experience and fantastic to hear so much engagement from residents.

There is real concern out there. I hope I managed to bring some hope that we can change things for the better – if we stand together.

There was disappointment too, however and I hesitate to respond negatively when people have given up their time. I was struck by what I can only describe as breathtaking complacency from those who argued that a grey belt designation does not necessarily mean development and the Local Plan will provide the reassurance residents are looking for.

It won’t because we will be lucky to have any green fields left by April 2029, when the new plan comes into operation.

I agree with Catherine Young. The AECOM report needs to be withdrawn, and grey belt designations suspended until the council has completed the full Green Belt Assessment, including the updating of the Brownfield Register, and determined which areas of Green Belt should be released under grey belt policy to support housing.

As it stands, the only thing the AECOM report delivers is Guildford’s Green Belt on a plate for developers.

I urge residents to join my cause at www.ruralroar.org.uk and sign the petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/780361