Letter: The Town Must Present a Strong, United Voice on Building Heights

Published on: 18 Sep, 2024
Updated on: 18 Sep, 2024

Building heights in Guildford. Photo Guildford Society

From Gavin Morgan

founder of Guildford Heritage Forum and one of the organisers of Heritage Open Days

I am grateful to the Guildford Society for championing this issue. A heights policy does not have to be anti-tall buildings or anti-housing but it will ensure that Guildford can control its future.

For me the sad thing about the debates on height in the town over the last few years is the fact that there have been debates.

Our differences of opinion have allowed developers to divide and rule and push through developments that could have been better for the town. It is essential that the town provide a strong, united voice and stands up for what it wants to be.

I believe most of us live this town because it is full of character but also because it provides the best of modern living. It is an historic town but also a modern town and a healthy balance between the two is required. On this issue our councillors should put politics aside and do what is right for the town.

Responses to Letter: The Town Must Present a Strong, United Voice on Building Heights

David Ogilvie Reply

September 18, 2024 at 6:38 pm

I agree with Gavin. We should have a maximum height limit of five plus set back floor residential floors in the town centre. This will preserve the River Wey valley from being lost in tall buildings. This is the height of Georgian London and central Paris.
Mark Stamp Reply

September 19, 2024 at 5:13 pm

It’s all very well to say that there should be a united voice but there isn’t one. I have had no issues with the heights of buildings in either of the North Street plans, Debenhams or Solum.

I view each decision on its own merits in respect of what benefits it brings and what the surrounding buildings are so whilst I approve of 10 storeys on North Street, I wouldn’t approve of five storeys by the castle.

Large blocks in the town centre will mean fewer people need to drive into town, have more efficient heating and reduce the need for development on greenfield land.

We need to ensure that housing we are building is what is needed, of a good standard and affordable for local residents and we should include the provision of social housing.
Nigel Keane Reply

September 21, 2024 at 1:55 am

If Mark Stamp likes tall buildings then I suggest he moves to Woking or Croydon. There he can see how old Surrey towns have been ruined by the “pile them high” brigade of town planners who revel in awards for their brutal Stalinist architecture but forget that they are being built for Surrey residents not Russian Gulag prisoners.
Olly Azad Reply

September 22, 2024 at 2:15 am

Furthermore, Reigate and Banstead Borough is the latest addition toying with the idea to “pile them high” by proposing to build multiple tower blocks in the heart of Redhill. No, thank you.

I hope that Guildford town can strike the correct balancing act on the emotive topic of building heights.