A computer graphic showing an aerial view of the approved student accommodation in Walnut Tree Close.

A major mix of more student accommodation in Walnut Tree Close was approved by GBC’s Planning Committee on Wednesday (September 11).

A previous application had been refused but planners and developers had since held forthright negotiations with some “blunt” talking, according to Guildford’s council leader Caroline Reeves.

Comparative profiles of the previous scheme (top) and the scheme accepted by GBC’s Planning Committee

Four blocks of up to six storeys will be built, providing 361 bedspaces in 259 “cluster” bedrooms and 102 self-contained studios. Communal spaces will include a cinema, games room, gym, laundry and lounge.

The blocks will be set back from the river towpath bordering the site and the area between landscaped. There is no car-parking but spaces for 180 bikes.

A plan view showing the setting back from the riverbank.

The planning officer’s report acknowledged that some area residents preferred homes there but there is no Local Plan policy to restrict student accommodation in town and, despite a target of 60% of students to be housed on-campus, more is required. The site is a short walk to the campus via Yorkies Bridge.

The historic National Trust’s Grade I-listed Dapdune Wharf faces the development but the council’s former design and conservation team leader decided this would pose “less than substantial harm to the setting of the Wey and Godalming Navigation’s Conservation Area and the various listed buildings at Dapdune Wharf”.

Grade 1 listed Dapdune Wharf will face the new development from the opposite bank of the River Wey.

Developers will contribute £200,000 toward implementation of the council’s Sustainable Movement Corridor, £200,000 for pedestrian and cycle improvements to the towpath and space on-site for one of the council’s planned bike-share hubs and a private car-share club for residents.

Cllr Caroline Reeves

Council leader Caroline Reeves (Lib Dem, Friary & St Nicolas) said: “The [scheme] that was withdrawn caused a bit of an outcry because basically, it was horrible. And we have got to where we are now because of the involvement of the South East Design Panel.”

Cllr Tony Rooth (R4GV, Pilgrims) said the blocks were not “things of beauty” and expressed concern about the amount of student accommodation in town rather than on campus.

He added: “It is difficult to imagine students, or some of them, not having a car. We may want them all to walk and cycle but being cynical I can’t anticipate it is going to be car-free unless the university bans cars.”

Cllr Susan Parker

Cllr Susan Parker (GGG, Send) deplored more student accommodation on a town centre site she said should be used for housing. But she acknowledged it aided housing supply so she reluctantly supported the proposal.

She added: “Other towns tell their university their students can’t have cars. Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge make it a condition. I don’t see why we shouldn’t do the same.”

Cllr Graham Eyre

Cllr Graham Eyre (Con, Ash South & Tongham) disagreed. “I know it is a rude word these days to mention cars but it is all very well saying students will be able to walk to the city [sic] centre and the railway station but what if they don’t want to go to the city centre and station? You’ll never stop students having cars.”

All Planning Committee members voted in favour of approving the application except Cllr Rooth who abstained.

See also: Public Consultation for Walnut Tree Close Planning Proposal

The GBC webcast of the whole planning meeting can be seen here.