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

S3: Delivery of development and regeneration within Guildford Town Centre

Coordination of development in the Town Centre

  • Development proposals will be encouraged to seek opportunities to enable the future development potential of adjacent sites and not undermine their development potential.

More efficient use of land and the acceleration of housing delivery

  • Major applications will be expected to deliver a mix of uses and include residential development. Residential development in mixed use schemes will be expected to meet identified housing need.
  • Schemes must demonstrate that they have made the most efficient use of land both in terms of the quantum of development and the mix of uses.
  • In seeking to achieve more efficient use of land and/or accelerated housing delivery and/or regeneration, the Council will where appropriate utilise mechanisms such as its compulsory purchase powers.

Place shaping and character and design of new development

  • New development will have regard to:
    • the provisions of Policy D1;
    • the historic environment, street pattern and topography;
    • important views into and out of the town centre from the surrounding landscape;
    • views within the town centre of important historic buildings and local landmarks.
  • Schemes must demonstrate high quality urban design and contribute wherever possible to achieving:
    • mixed use developments with active ground floor uses;
    • defined public and private spaces which are well-enclosed;
    • an attractive and safe public realm;
    • legible routes that are easy to understand and to move through, and give priority to pedestrians and cyclists over motor vehicles;
    • improved access and views to the River Wey.

For more information please see the Local Plan