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Letter: The Myth of Massive Population Growth in Guildford Explodes

Published on: 12 May, 2021
Updated on: 14 May, 2021

From: Ramsey Nagaty

leader of the Guildford Greenbelt Group (GGG)

The myth of massive population growth and the need to build houses in the green belt has been exploded by a significant report from the UK Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) on the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Guildford was included by the OSR at my behest and I also ensured that GBC wrote to request the Guildford situation was incorporated in their review. Together with former GGG councillor, David Reeve, and Niels Laub [it was previously stated that Niels Laub was a former Conservative councillor, this was an error], I made submissions relating to Guildford and participated in follow up meetings with the OSR. Joss Bigmore as GBC leader also helped ensure the GBC letter was issued to OSR.

GGG spearheaded Guildford’s position where substantial green belt land has been allocated for probable development in the Local Plan adopted by the previous Conservative-led administration just days before the borough elections in 2019, a purdah period when nothing “political” is normally transacted by the council.

Now, with the added issue of the A3 widening not taking place and the lack of supporting infrastructure adding to the many constraints that should have been applied when the Local Plan was prepared, it may well be time for the long demanded by GGG review.

Currently, under R4GV leadership, the council are proceeding on a careful evaluation of all aspects with a view to a reviewing. GGG hope the latest developments will assist in moving forward and achieving the positive result many residents seek.

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Responses to Letter: The Myth of Massive Population Growth in Guildford Explodes

  1. Susan Parker Reply

    May 12, 2021 at 4:19 pm

    This is a brilliant result.

    Ramsey Nagaty has been involved throughout in the OSR consultation. The OSR has now made a public admission that the Guildford housing numbers are overstated, for which the community owes Ramsey a huge debt.

    The official report specifically mentions that the Guildford housing numbers are too high (and this is now also covered in the Times and the Daily Mail). Ramsey should be congratulated for this.

    Susan Parker is a GGG borough councillor for Send and former party leader.

  2. David James King Reply

    May 15, 2021 at 10:28 am

    Bravo! Please keep up your good work, in particular, by resisting and objecting to the extra 110 houses that Berkeley Homes are planning to apply for on even more green belt adjacent to Effingham Lodge Farm, which already has outline approval for 159 houses.

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