Policy information sourced from the Guildford Local Plan: Strategy and Sites

D1: Place shaping

All new developments will be required to achieve high quality design that responds to distinctive local character (including landscape character) of the area in which it is set. Essential elements of place making include creating economically and socially successful new places with a clear identity that promote healthy living; they should be easy to navigate, provide natural security through layout and design with attractive, well enclosed, and overlooked streets, roads and spaces with clear thought given to the interrelationship of land use to external space.

All new development is expected to have regard to and perform positively against the recommendations set out in the latest Building for Life guidance and conform to the nationally described space standards as set out by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

New development shall be of a high quality and inclusive design, as per the Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), and all new development will be required to address the following;

Distinct local character

All new development will be designed to reflect the distinct local character of the area and will respond and reinforce locally distinct patterns of development, including landscape setting. Proposals will take account of local design guidance contained within conservation area appraisals, DPD’s, neighbourhood plans and SPDs.

Given the size, function and proposed density of the strategic allocations it may not always be desirable to reflect locally distinct patterns of development. These sites must create their own identity to ensure cohesive and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Safe, connected and efficient streets

All new development will be designed to ensure it connects appropriately to existing street patterns and creates safe and accessible spaces. Particular regard shall be given to maximise opportunities for pedestrian and cycle movement and the creation of a high quality public realm.

Network of green spaces and public places

All new development will be designed to maximise the opportunity for and linkages between green spaces and public places, and include high quality landscaping that reflects the local distinctive character.

Crime prevention and security measures

All new development will be designed to reduce opportunities for crime and antisocial behaviour.

Access and inclusion

All new development will be designed to meet the needs of all users, this includes the setting of the building in the wider environment, the location of the building on the plot, the gradient of the plot, transport infrastructure and public realm.

Efficient use of natural resources

All new development will be designed with regard to efficient use of natural resources including passive solar gain to maximise the use of the sun’s energy for heating and cooling.

Infrastructure to create smart places

All new development will be designed in a manner that:

  • supports technological and digital advances, including the provision of sufficient ducting space for future digital connectivity infrastructure;
  • seeks to achieve high quality digital connectivity, enabling Fibre To The Premises (FTTP) where practical;
  • enables mobile connectivity within the development;
  • provides access to services from a range of providers.

Further innovation and provision for 5G, Wifi and other technologies will be encouraged.

Masterplans for strategic sites

Developers will be required to produce Masterplans for Slyfield Area Regeneration Project (A24), Gosden Hill Farm (A25), Blackwell Farm (A26) and the former Wisley airfield (A35) and these will be subject to assessment by a Design Review Panel. The masterplanning process shall engage with the local community.

In order to ensure future cohesive and vibrant neighbourhoods, they must demonstrate how the development responds to the immediate context as well as;

  • Creates functional places
  • Supports mixed use tenures
  • Includes successful public spaces
  • Is adaptive and resilient
  • Has a distinctive character
  • Is attractive
  • Encourages ease of movement
  • Creates a sustainable environment in relation to access to services and facilities

Planning applications will be consistent with the Masterplans, which must be kept under review.

Use of Design Review Panel

In addition to the strategic sites, the Council will expect other large schemes to be subject to assessment by a Design Review Panel.

Villages

Proposals for new development within villages will have particular regard to;

  • The distinctive settlement pattern of the village and the important relationship between the built development and the surrounding landscape
  • Important views of the village from the surrounding landscape
  • Views within the village of local landmarks

Ash & Tongham

In order to avoid piecemeal development and to protect and enhance the existing character of Ash & Tongham and Ash Green, proposals within the area will have particular regard to;

  • The relationship and connectivity with the existing urban area
  • The relationship and connectivity between allocated sites in different ownerships
  • The existing character of Ash & Tongham and Ash Green
  • The future urban edge and its relationship with the surrounding countryside at the allocated site’s boundaries

For more information please see the Local Plan