Guildford North Street redevelopment plans given the green light
Proposals to transform a plot of brownfield land in Guildford into a mixed-use development have been given the go-ahead by councillors.
The plans put forward by St Edward – a joint venture between Berkeley Group and M&G – look to create over 2.2 acres of public realm space as well as 471 new homes.
Included in the proposals is the provision for retail space, cafés, bars, and restaurants.
Under the plans, a medical centre will be created, changes will be made to the bus station and the adjacent North Street will be pedestrianised.
In January, Guildford Borough Council’s Planning Committee had rejected an earlier version of the proposals, citing a lack of affordable housing.
The updated plans, which included a reduction in height for some of the proposed buildings, promised 10% affordable housing.
The currently derelict site has so far taken over three decades to be redeveloped, with several previous schemes which have been put forward failing to get off the drawing board.
Concerns have previously been raised by Surrey County Council relating to public transport disruption caused by alterations to the bus station.
Some members of the public have also been vocal in their concerns over the heights of the proposed buildings, while others consider the designs to be an eyesore in the historic town.
However, Amanda Masters of Experience Guildford, a group which promotes the town and its businesses, said: “We are very pleased to see the application accepted. The business community have been waiting a long time for this and although there are still some hoops to jump through, the prospect of a boost in this area will mean greater economic benefits for the town as a whole.”