Residents Invited to Comment on Guildford Local Plan’s Development Management Policies

Published on: 8 May, 2020
Updated on: 9 May, 2020

Residents will soon be able to have their say on the next part of Guildford’s Local Plan, the Development Management Policies to be used by planning officers to determine applications. A seven-week consultation begins in early June. 

Once adopted, these and the recently adopted Local Plan’s Strategy and Sites (LPSS), fully supersede policies that remain from the 2003 Local Plan.

Cllr Jan Harwood

Jan Harwood (Lib Dem, Merrow), lead for Climate Change, said: “We want to ensure development in our borough meets the highest standards of sustainable design and contributes towards our commitment to addressing the climate change emergency.

“These policies address a range of issues to ensure we have the highest quality housing and other development in Guildford and our surrounding villages. Please share your views when the consultation opens next month. More details will be on our website towards the end of the month.”

The Regulation 18 consultation includes issues and options and suggests a “preferred option” for each policy. It is the first opportunity to comment on the new Local Plan. All comments will be considered as part of preparing the Regulation 19 Proposed Submission Local Plan. There will be further opportunities to comment as part of the Regulation 19 consultation.

Cllr Ruth Brothwell

Cllr Ruth Brothwell (R4GV, Worplesdon), said: “Unfortunately, we cannot do anything about the dreadful Local Plan as this was pushed through by the previous council and is now law.

“But what we can all do is influence the type of housing, infrastructure and biodiversity we have, and how these reflect the Climate Emergency the Council has declared.

“We urge the people of Guildford and its villages to read this important document and join us in responding so your voices are heard and your concerns addressed as much as possible.”

Cllr Susan Parker

Cllr Susan Parker (GGG, Send), added: “As the second half of the Local Plan this is important.

“Much here is desirable, so where people agree do please comment positively (but also note where environmental policies should be strengthened or policies are weak). We need the protection of climate change and environmental policies included here, otherwise these conditions can’t be required in planning permissions that GBC are approving now.

“Where appropriate, support is a useful counterweight to developers (who may object to stronger environmental policies).

“Also note this replaces ‘Saved’ policies from the 2003 local plan, so check for any omissions from there and request inclusion accordingly.”

The decision is subject to approval by the Executive on May 26 of updates to the council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement and the Local Development Scheme timetable.

Brian Creese

Brian Creese Chairman of Guildford Labour Party said: “Guildford Labour Party would encourage everyone to get involved with this consultation process and submit views to the council. Whatever your view may be on the Local Plan, it is not going to go away, and as is often the case, the devil is in the detail; careful scrutiny is required to make sure we make the best use of the plan.

This will also provide an opportunity to learn from the current Covid-19 crisis, and ensure lessons learned are included in the management of the plan. This must include developing green spaces close to our homes, as well as maintaining the wider countryside, and the importance of properly funded and sustainable infrastructure.

Given the mounting evidence that poor housing has led to greater infection rates, we must ensure that good quality housing with decent gardens and private outside spaces become a part of Guildford’s building standards for all new housing.