Guildford town centre redevelopment plans set for decision this week

Published by

Sam Pither

Plans to turn derelict sites in the town centre of Guildford into homes, shops, and cafes will be considered by Guildford Borough Council's planning committee the week.

The plans have been submitted by St Edward – a joint venture between The Berkeley Group and M&G Real Estate, having been drawn up by JTP Studios.

If approved, the development will include over 400 homes on land between North Street, Leapale Road, Commercial Road, and part of Woodbridge Road. The development is part of the council's master plan for Guildford, which aims to build up to 2,600 new homes within a 15-minute walk of the town centre.

Council officers have recommended the plan be approved, however they have faced controversy, including objections from the county council about changes to the bus station and a multi-million pound disagreement about the deficit of the overall project.

Further, the council requires a minimum of 40 per cent of the development to be designated affordable housing, but the current plans would only include 20, with a further 28 subject to funding.

The council’s planning site shows 58 letters in support of the plans, against 51 in objection.

A decision is expected to be made on the scheme tomorrow (Wednesday 11 January).

Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset. A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise. Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.