Guildford council approves 248 new homes for car park redevelopment despite design concerns
The plans for affordable housing and townhouses near Guildford station are moving forward
Guildford Borough Council has approved plans to redevelop the Guildford Park Road car park, paving the way for 248 new homes despite some councillors expressing reservations over the design.
On Thursday, 4th March, the council's planning committee backed the £86m project, which will transform the existing surface car park into a new residential hub comprising four apartment blocks and 15 townhouses.
The development will offer 99 affordable homes, including 65 units for affordable rent and 34 shared ownership properties.
Councillors agreed on the necessity for housing in the town, although concerns were raised about the aesthetic aspects of the buildings.
Cllr Patrick Oven described the architecture as reminiscent of "Stalin-esque 1950s" but acknowledged the town's need for additional housing.
Cllr Stephen Hives suggested the designs were like Eastern European housing blocks but admitted this was not a valid reason to reject the proposal.
Despite these design critiques, council officers recommended approval, citing the benefit of significantly enhancing local housing supply during a period when the authority lacks a five-year housing land supply.
The development site is strategically positioned next to the railway line and near the University of Surrey and will feature landscaping improvements, a children's play area, cycle parking, and pedestrian route enhancements.
Bus, cycle, and pedestrian access to the university will remain unaffected.
Cllr Joss Bigmore expressed concern over the project's design, warning against piecemeal development without clearer design principles.
Cllr Howard Smith praised the scheme for contributing essential housing in a sustainable area and voiced concerns over the proposed shared ownership allocation, advocating for more investments in social and affordable rent options.
Planning officers clarified that the housing mix was based on a 2015 housing needs assessment, with further updates underway.
No planning grounds for refusal were identified, allowing the project to proceed, with construction anticipated to commence in summer 2026 and the project slated for completion by the end of 2028.