At last a vision

There is much to be done in Guildford.  The Conservatives have started by adopting a vision for the Borough and a mission for the Council. 

A Borough that shows pride in its local heritage whilst seeking opportunity and choice for future generations – our Vision 

A forward looking, efficiently run Council underpinning the Vision by providing a first class services that give the community value for money – our Mission 

While the errors of the past LibDem administration will take some time to rectify, the new Conservative administration is grappling with the problems left behind. 

The Friary

The council has adopted the development brief for the extension to the Friary centre.  The developers have given an initial presentation to councillors of their ideas.  They are taking soundings in the town – you may have seen an artist’s impression in the local paper.  An outline planning application is expected in November.  This is an important development site, and one where the developers have been listening to local concerns.  Andrew Hodges is looking forward to seeing the plans.

A New Civic Hall

The shortlist of contractors has now been drawn up, with the Council following a strict questionnaire and points system.  The developers now have until January to produce tenders for the council to consider.  This is a very exciting project. 

 

Andrew Hodges wants this project to move forward and produce the state of the art facility which the Borough needs.

 

Planning and hotels

Guildford businesses tell us that there is a need for more hotel accommodation in Guildford.  But there are right and wrong locations. 

London Road The plan for a 145 bed hotel at 43-45 London Road has been thrown out by the Borough Planning Committee.  This site would dominate Stoke Park and ruin the vista of the open space. It would dominate  and adversely affect the character of the area.  BUT the applicants, who own part of the site, may well appeal. The very large number of  objections put in by local residents were very important – they will be needed once again if there is an appeal.

 

The houses that would be demolished if the hotel were built  

Epsom Road:                        The Clavadel Hotel on the corner with Pit Farm Road poses a different problem.  The plans to replace the existing bedroom wing with a new larger extension were not approved by the committee.  The plans were a significant improvement on those originally submitted in 2001. However, local concerns about over development still remain.  It was scheduled for decision on 3 November, but at 11.15pm, the meeting was adjourned, so at the time of going to press the outcome was unknown.  

Local residents know only too well of other applications which are arousing much local concern.  There are a number of appeals against Council refusal.  Tangier Road, where one appeal against refusal was upheld (16/18) and another  where the Deputy Prime Minister, not the appeal         

inspector will decide on the appeal  against refusal at 35-39. There is the new appeal at 6 Ivor Close. The ongoing saga of 115 Epsom Road, 7 Maori Road,  the list goes on, and local residents know of them and contact me with their concerns.                                                                          

 

Andrew Hodges outside the Clavadel Hotel    

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