By David Reading A developer has won its appeal for outline planning permission to build up to 200 homes at Shortlands Farm, Guildford Road, Ash. The planning inspector agreed the land can be designated as “grey belt”. The concept of grey belt was introduced in national planning…

Work to Recommence on Former Debenham’s Site – But Guildford Society Unhappy

By Martin Giles Work on redeveloping the former Debenhams site on Millbrook “will commence in the coming weeks” according to developers Native Land. Groundwork on the site, now called “St Mary’s Wharf”, ceased in the spring and there has been mounting curiosity in Guildford about the hiatus…

Tumbling Bay Weir Restoration Project To Be Completed Within Weeks

By Martin Giles Work to build a new Tumbling Bay Weir at Millbrook, and restore the towpath bridge over it, is nearing completion, says the National Trust, owners of the River Wey Navigation. The weir collapsed dramatically in 2019 forcing a woman on the footbridge to leap…

Surrey Could Be ‘Left Behind’ Without a Mayor

By James Moules local democracy reporter The outgoing leader of Surrey County Council has warned Surrey risks being “left behind” if the county does not adopt an elected mayor in the near future. Cllr Tim Oliver (Con, Weybridge) urged the incoming East and West Surrey councils to…

Mother Shortlisted for National Award

A Guildford mother has been shortlisted for a national award, recognising her contribution to the Parent-Teacher Association of Christ’s College in Guildford.  Sophia Wyatt, who chairs the Friends of Christ’s College, has been nominated for Parentkind’s PTA Volunteer of the Year Award. The nomination celebrates the work…

A New Vision for the Former House of Fraser Building Is Finally Revealed

By Daisy Edwards There is, at last, a new vision for the former House of Fraser site and it could bring back into business the luxury shopping experience that Guildford was once known for. Our town is becoming a hub for modern developments around the historic town…

Guildford Spectrum is Getting Almost 1,200 Solar Panels To Cut Carbon Emissions

Almost 1,200 solar panels are being installed on the roof of Guildford Spectrum as part of the borough council’s work to make the leisure centre more sustainable. Work began this week (October 12) and covers around 2,400 square metres, roughly the size of six basketball courts. The…

Villagers Hear That the ‘Grey Belt’ Policy Should Be Suspended Until Reviewed

By Martin Giles The Government’s “grey belt” policy is leaving Guildford Borough more vulnerable to speculative development proposals than ever before, East Horsley villagers heard at a meeting arranged by Rural Roar campaigner Paula Moss on Friday evening (October 9). The meeting began with a presentation from…

Cranleigh Leisure Centre Rebuild Still Uncertain, Warn Opposition Councillors

By Chris Caulfield local democracy reporter The potential redevelopment of Cranleigh Leisure Centre reached a “key milestone” when pre-construction agreements were…

Surrey Gritters Ready for Winter

Gritter drivers will be available 24/7 to help out residents on the roads this winter, Surrey County Council has announced. The…

East Surrey’s New Logo Is Announced

By James Moules local democracy reporter The new East Surrey Council’s logo has been unveiled to the public in the latest…

Opinion: Who Can Sort Out This Sorry Mess?

By Bernard Quoroll former local authority CEO One reason why we may not get a Mayor is that Surrey is not…