By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporter It is not just in Guildford that the housing target has been hiked; targets across Surrey are set to skyrocket under new Government plans. On December 12 the long-awaited update to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published. It set…

Long Sentences for Sara’s Murderers as Judge Describes Her Treatment as ‘Torture’

By Martin Giles The father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif were today (December 17) sentenced to life imprisonment with long minimum terms after being found guilty of her murder at the Old Bailey in London last week. Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, 42, was ordered to serve…

Care Home Proposal For Vacant Bewley Land in Ash

By David Reading Bewley Homes is in negotiation with a company that has expressed an interest in opening and running a care home on the plot of land in Ash that had been set aside by the developers in 2019 for healthcare purposes. The 2019 agreement between…

Local Party Leaders React to News of New Housing Target for Guildford

Yesterday’s Government announcement regarding revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework and a new, much higher housing target for Guildford have received a predictably mixed reaction from most other parties at Guildford Borough Council with Guildford Labour alone in welcoming the news. See also: Government Confirms Doubling…

Government Confirms Doubling of Housing Target for Guildford

By Martin Giles Guildford Borough Council has responded to Government plans to increase housing targets in Guildford and across the South East – in Guildford by more than 100 per cent. Changes to the national planning policy and the number of new homes demanded were announced by…

‘No More Debate – Never Again’ Must Be Sara’s Legacy, Says Child Commissioner

Emily Dalton local democracy reporter Authorities must face serious questions about years of missed chances to prevent Sara Sharif’s death. Sara was murdered aged just 10 years old by her father Urfan Sharif and stepmother Beinash Batool. Her uncle Faisal Malik was convicted of causing or allowing…

Festive Bells Ring Out For Guide Dogs Charity

By Jason Blackwood It wasn’t a bleak mid-winter but a very windy, rainy night when the Guide Dogs Mid Surrey Branch held their carol service at St Peter’s Church, Old Woking, last Friday (December 6). Despite the rain the church was packed. The service was conducted the…

Dragon Interview: Lead Councillor Tom Hunt on Ash Road Bridge Delays

Publication of this interview was delayed by technical glitches when recording. Despite a second attempt, the interview had to be completed in written Q&A. The Dragon is grateful to Cllr Hunt’s forbearance and cooperation. Last week Cllr Hunt apologised for errors in communication connected with the delayed…

Book Now for the History of Guildford Course Starting on January 16

By Nicholas Bale, Leader of the Guildford Town Guides What is the best part of Guildford’s history? Join the History of…

Life-saving ‘Bleed Kits’ Introduced in Guildford Town Centre

By Stella Kuchanny In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance public safety, Guildford Pubwatch has partnered with Medirek to introduce “Bleed Kits”…

City Lose Out in Scrappy Game

Horley Town (1) 2, Guildford City (0) 1 By Barry Underwood It was after the Lord Mayor’s Show at the New…

Lib Dems Accuse Surrey County Council of Stifling Debate on Key Issues

By Martin Giles Surrey Liberal Democrats have accused the Conservative administration of Surrey County Council of shutting down meaningful debate on…