Letter: We Would Welcome Meaningful Discussions with GBC

Published on: 14 Aug, 2018
Updated on: 14 Aug, 2018

From John Rigg

Guildford Vision Group chairman

Oh to have meaningful discussions!

For over a year now the council leadership has effectively banned us from discussions with officers. It has also dissuaded county council officers similarly, as we wished to discuss traffic accidents and pollution as well as other issues our plan is seeking to address.

At the recent Local Plan hearings, the inspector used the word “appalling” when describing areas of the town centre and so invited us, along with others, to comment and even agree a draft for a new town centre policy with the council which he decided was required. The council produced a draft overnight, and GVG responded as requested by the inspector within 24 hours with comments and suggested major amendments. Our response was designated an Examination document by the inspector.

After the hearings, we thought the council might at last want to meet to see if agreement was possible. So we attempted to follow up directly with the council to flesh out the new “S3” policy ahead of any statutory public consultation. In a written response the director of planning & regeneration rebuffed our approach and gave us short shrift.

We have always sought dialogue with the council and have had many meetings. Sadly most have foundered over its refusal to engage with a resident group wanting the best for its town and that has developed a comprehensive, costed plan.

We do believe our masterplan has merit. The public recognises that when we’ve presented it.

We think pedestrians deserve a better deal in the town centre. The riverside remains neglected and uncherished as a valuable asset. Our masterplan introduces considerably more housing than hitherto planned by the council, as well as a great public realm. Our transport hub and interchange centred on the railway station can be a game changer for Guildford.

Oh to have meaningful discussions!

Responses to Letter: We Would Welcome Meaningful Discussions with GBC

Jim Allen Reply

August 16, 2018 at 11:39 am

Why on earth would the GVG expect the council to take any notice of its views? GVG has experience within its team? It is not charging them anything, it is old enough to know the pitfalls and is not a “snowflake”*. Each reason means it will be disregarded. Just one of these factors alone would result in disqualification.

* A term for someone that thinks they are unique and special, but really are not. It gained popularity after the movie “Fight Club” from the quote “You are not special. You’re not a beautiful and unique snowflake. You’re the same decaying organic matter as everything else.” Urban dictionary.
Wayne Smith Reply

August 16, 2018 at 12:41 pm

The past antipathy towards input from Guildford Vision Group makes it’s pretty clear that Guildford Borough Council suffers from “Not invented here” syndrome.

This morning, GBC has issued a press release:

“We are moving forward with our bold plans to regenerate Guildford, as we continue work on our overall strategy and engage external specialists to help with some of the next stages.”

https://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/21944/Transforming-Guildford-s-town-centre-and-future-continues

No mention of working with GVG! but two external consultancy groups have been engaged (at what cost?).

Cllr Spooner adds: “There are great opportunities, as well as challenges, in making our dynamic and attractive town a great place to live, work and visit. There will be consultation opportunities during the next stages of this important work to regenerate Guildford and we’ll let people know how they can get involved.”

Perhaps they’ve finally woken up and smelled the coffee and we will now see a volte-face on pie in the sky retail development in favour of town centre housing and a plan that makes the wider town centre area a desirable place to visit.