Tunsgate Market Stalls Get the Go-ahead for Another Five Years

Published on: 26 Jun, 2026
Updated on: 26 Jun, 2026

Tunsgate Arch Market Stalls Google

By James Moules

local democracy reporter

Two long-standing market stalls in the heart of Guildford have been granted permission to carry on running for another five years.

Guildford Borough Council’s Planning Committee unanimously approved plans to allow the stalls to continue operating at Tunsgate Arch in the town centre.

This planning decision was referred to the committee because Guildford Borough Council was itself the applicant.

The two stalls have sat in the historic location since 1991, and have routinely been granted licence to continue business there by the council.

Under the plans submitted, trading hours at the Grade II-listed site would not be altered. At present, the stalls operate between 8am and 5.30pm from Monday to Saturday and between 9am and 5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Cllr George Potter

While voicing support for the plans, Cllr George Potter (Lib Dem, Burpham) suggested the committee should consider granting permission for longer stretches of time in the future, given long-standing support for the stalls.

He said: “I really would suggest that next time this application comes forward we look at a longer time period than every five years, as it seems a bit redundant to go through the expense of this process every five years.”

Officers noted in their report that granting permission for the stalls to continue operating would not harm any of the town’s heritage assets.

“The stalls have been in place for a number of years and are an established feature within Tunsgate Arch and the Town Centre Conservation Area, they wrote.

“They are not overly prominent or obtrusive, being set within the south western recess, clear of pedestrian access on both sides, and instead contribute vibrancy and add to the enjoyment of the listed building and the conservation area.”