Slyfield’s Regeneration Progresses – News Receives Positive Reactions

Published on: 11 Mar, 2019
Updated on: 11 Mar, 2019

An image of how the proposed SARP could be.

Plans to move the sewage treatment plant at Slyfield Industrial Estate, another step to regenerating the area, were progressed by Guildford Borough Council’s Executive last week (March 7).

Work is starting on a new internal road to enable the move and ease traffic congestion. Balfour Beatty expects to finish the road by early 2020.

Moving the sewage plant, owned and operated by Thames Water and the council depot and waste facilities, will make way for 1,500 new homes, two new industrial units and associated infrastructure by using brownfield land. The new sewage works will be built on former landfill away from residential areas, opening up the riverside to the wider community.

The Executive approved recommendations to complete the development agreement with Thames Water. It has set aside £10 million to fund 50% of Thames Water’s costs as well as any future spend covering Thames Water’s legal and professional fees and design costs leading to the submission of the planning application.

Cllr Paul Spooner

Council leader Paul Spooner, lead for planning and regeneration, said: “Moving the sewage works is the key to unlocking the potential of this brownfield land for new housing as laid out in our Local Plan.

This sizeable regeneration project will also serve as a catalyst for reinvestment in the estate, creating more job opportunities by attracting new businesses to the area. Finally getting to this point after several challenging years is testament to the commitment of the council to its key priorities of Place Making and Community.”

Cllr Bob McShee

Cllr Bob McShee (Ind, Worplesdon) said: “I am pleased to read that in today’s GBC press release about Slyfield’s Regeneration Progress that at last GBC has set aside £10 million to fund 50% of Thames Water’s preparatory costs.

“At the council meeting held on the February 26, I asked the leader of the council, ‘Who is funding the cost of moving Thames Water’s sewage treatment works?‘

“He advised that it would be Guildford Borough Council.

“The estimated cost of the move is £90 million. An ‘all councillor‘ briefing on the project will be held in June/July.”

Cllr Angela Gunning

Angela Gunning (Lab, Stoke) added: “All good news; progress has been slow but steady over the past few years, and at long last, relocation of the sewage works is going to be a reality.

“Residents in Weyfield will be so pleased. When we have a new sewage works, house building can begin – more excellent news. Guildford desperately needs more housing, and this urban, brownfield site, destined for 1,500 homes over the next 15 years and beyond is absolutely what this borough needs.”

Responses to Slyfield’s Regeneration Progresses – News Receives Positive Reactions

Jim Allen Reply

March 12, 2019 at 4:44 pm

Just because it’s taken 15 years to get to a point where it will cost £10 million for legal and professional fees does not mean it will actually happen in the end!

This is a crazy decision far eclipsing the camping site fiasco.

The current location on solid ground adjacent to the navigation was chosen by time served water engineers back in the late 1800’s; when there was a wide choice of available and accessible sites. The choice made then was, and remains, the best location. Now unqualified councillors make the claim they have found a “better” location when all the sites have been built on!

This new proposal is being put on “made” land which is unstable, four metres deep in refuse. It is less suitable in every aspect. A truly amazing claim this is an “improvement”. And they have yet to officially disclose the £350 million bill for the total project.

As for much-needed housing, why plan for 14,000 housing plots when only 6,000 are actually needed. The surplus is “commercially unviable”, council officers words not mine during the Local Plan Hearing!
Martin Elliott Reply

March 12, 2019 at 5:30 pm

Whilst the GBC depot can cause some problems with traffic on Woking Road, if it’s moved to the Slyfield Estate does that not contradict one aim of the programme.

Even with Cllr Matt Furniss’ firm statement, “There are no plans for a Clay Lane link road” it’s still on the drawing board.

Without better access to the estate, how can the council claim they are reducing congestion and traffic?

Is there not still a need for the improvements on the A320 Woking Road, postponed by the Department for Transport around 25 years ago, if there is no alternative access?
Peggie Dean Reply

July 9, 2019 at 11:07 pm

What about flooding issues? What will happen to all the wildlife over there?

It is so quiet here 24/7, I dread to think of the noise from traffic etc.

I hope I’m not around by the time it’s finished!