Guildford Borough Council responds to National Planning Policy Framework Consultation

Guildford Borough Council responds to National Planning Policy Framework Consultation

Guildford Borough Council has submitted its response to the Government’s consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

In a letter addressed to Angela Rayner MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Julia McShane, and Lead Councillor for Planning, Cllr Fiona White, outlined the Council’s position.

The letter confirmed our support for a plan-led planning system but expressed concern about the proposed changes to the standard method for calculating housing need.

Cllr Fiona White said: “We fully acknowledge the Government’s commitment to increasing housing delivery. We recognise that adjustments to housing numbers are needed to meet this commitment. However, it will be incredibly challenging to accommodate the level of growth requested in our borough and stronger infrastructure plans will be needed to support it.

“There are significant constraints facing Guildford. Areas are protected beyond Green Belt designation. These include the Surrey Hills National Landscape, the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, and sites of conservation importance. Also included are parts of the borough prone to flooding.”

We also raised concerns about speculative development applications, and the potential release of Green Belt land during the update period for our Local Plan. 

Cllr White added: “While the proposed changes regarding affordable and social housing are a positive step, we believe that these powers should be further enhanced.”