Building The Future of Guildford

In February, ZERO was invited to attend a workshop run by Guildford Borough Council as part of their preparations for the next Local Plan. Following discussion at a ZERO Night, Elena and Bronwen went along to represent Zero.

Elena reflects on the event:

On the 2nd of February, I attended a Guildford Borough Council workshop on Guildford’s next Local Plan - an experience that was both a first for me and an interesting window into local networks. Held within the familiar surroundings of the Guildford Baptist Church, the hall was a hive of activity: three tables had maps sprawled across tables, clusters of residents in deep discussion, and a display of colourful post it notes waiting to have ideas and concerns scrawled on.

Local Voices and Concerns

The workshop began in small groups of three, where the personal stakes of planning immediately became clear. At my table, a gentleman representing a small village on Guildford’s periphery shared his concerns as a local treasurer. He spoke of the decline of community centres and village halls -spaces that should be the heartbeat of village life but currently stand underutilised. To him, the challenge is a cultural shift: a rise in individualism and a focus on property prices over the collective well-being of the area.

I also spoke with a representative from a housing association, whose focus was on the broader horizon. The looming merger of Woking and Guildford into West Surrey poses significant questions. There is a unmistakable anxiety about "taking on" the housing problems of neighbouring areas and the logistical realities of such growth - specifically, where the necessary infrastructure, such as warehouses and transport hubs, will be situated.

The 30-Month Sprint: A New Planning Paradigm

The council and their consultants introduced us to a significant shift in government policy. To move away from the sluggish seven-year average for completing local plans, the government has introduced a 30-month planning scheme.

The purpose of this "sprint" is as follows:

1. Accelerate the delivery of local plans.

2. Ensure data remains current, preventing plans from being based on outdated evidence.

3. Avoid late-stage rejections by identifying issues earlier in the process.

   
   

This process involves three critical "gateways": a self-assessment, the early resolution of "soundness" issues, and a final test of requirements before submission. While ambitious, Guildford Borough has noted that this 1–23 month preparation phase will not officially begin until after the local elections in May and June.

For Guildford, the start of this 30 month period will not officially begin until after the local elections in May and June. However, despite local government reorganisation, the Local Plan must hit government deadlines, meaning the work needs to start before the new West Surrey unitary authority is established.

The Four Pillars of the Discussion

Our workshop focused on four core themes: Social, Economic, Environmental, and Infrastructure. Each generated a flurry of suggestions and concerns:

Social & Economic: There was a strong call for deeper community engagement and a general desire to foster an environment where small businesses can thrive. Nonetheless, there was a major concern about whether our town could manage increased growth; as new homes are constructed, people worry that healthcare and other vital services may struggle to keep up with rising demand.

Environmental & Infrastructure: The River Wey was a primary focus, with many wishing to see it restored. We also discussed the stark disparity in air pollution levels across different parts of Guildford and the need for better access to the surrounding countryside. Infrastructure-wise, the infamous Gyratory was high on the agenda. The consensus was clear: we need to decrease congestion, improve cycle routes, and make the town centre significantly easier to navigate on foot.

The Shadow of 2019

A recurring theme throughout the workshop was a sense of "déjà vu." Many attendees had been involved in the 2019 Local Plan, which promised the delivery of over 10,000 homes by 2034, focused on brownfield sites and urban extensions like Gosden Hill and Blackwell Farm.

However, years later, there is a visible frustration that little regeneration has materialised. While residents acknowledge that changing government regulations have hindered progress, there is a distinct weariness. As one former surveyor at my table remarked while gesturing to our post it notes, "You know, these aren't new ideas."

A Vision for 2046

When asked to imagine Guildford in twenty years, the room’s aspirations were remarkably consistent. The consensus painted a picture of a "vibrant city" (or town) with:

• A Healthy River Wey: Reducing nitrate and phosphate levels caused by upstream runoff and road pollution to make the river a central, clean attraction.

• Active Travel: A heavy emphasis on cycling and walking infrastructure to reduce our reliance on cars.

• High Living Standards: Quality housing that sits above the current standard, fostering a higher quality of life.

  
  

The "Missing" Demographic

As we packed up, an older gentleman gave me a friendly tap on the shoulder and thanked me for "bringing the average age down." While it was a lighthearted moment, it highlighted a serious flaw in the current process.

Although the workshop brought together enthusiastic and well-informed participants, the group lacked diversity in its demographic representation.  If we are planning for the next twenty years, we must involve the people who will inhabit that future: young people, students, and small business owners. The council expressed genuine interest in our feedback, but until they find a way to engage the workers and the youth of Guildford, we risk repeating the same conversations in circles. Fresh eyes aren’t just a "nice-to-have"—they are essential if we want our future policy to be as dynamic as the town itself.

Thanks to Elena for going along to this workshop to help represent ZERO. When the next stage of the Local Plan process starts we’ll reach out to volunteers to help us represent the views of our community.