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Help shape Guildford’s future: Take part in the new Local Plan Scoping Consultation

Help shape Guildford’s future: Take part in the new Local Plan Scoping Consultation

On behalf of Guildford Borough Council, I am writing to invite your organisation to take part in the first consultation for the new Guildford Local Plan, which will launch on Wednesday 2 September. 

The Local Plan is one of the Council’s most important documents. It will set out a vision for how Guildford borough should grow and develop to 2045, guiding decisions on housing, employment, infrastructure, community facilities, the environment and heritage. 

As a local organisation with valuable insight into your community, your views can help shape the Plan from the outset. 

What is the Local Plan Scoping Consultation? 

The Scoping Consultation is an early stage in preparing a new Local Plan. It seeks views on the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing the borough and will help inform the direction of the Plan as it develops. 

We are inviting feedback on a range of topics, including: 

  • providing context on how we will develop the future spatial strategy for the borough, which will provide a framework for growth and development to 2045  
  • the issues facing our borough and potential policy topics that the new plan could include to help address them 
  • how the Council engages with communities throughout the Local Plan process  
  • the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges facing the borough, and our initial views on the key priorities which will help us develop our Local Plan vision
  • the ways in which you would like us to engage with you as the Plan progresses.   

We are particularly keen to hear whether we have identified the right issues and key priorities for the borough, and whether there are additional topics that should be considered. 

Why your involvement matters 

Parish councils and resident associations play a vital role in representing local communities and understanding the issues that matter most to residents. Your feedback will help us understand local priorities, identify important issues and ensure the Local Plan reflects the needs and aspirations of communities across the borough. 

How to take part 

The consultation runs from Wednesday 2 September to Wednesday 14 October. 

You can view the consultation documents and find out how to respond at https://guildford.inconsult.uk/GLPS26/consultationHome 

We would also be grateful if you could promote the consultation through your own communication channels, including newsletters, websites, social media and community meetings, to encourage local people to take part.  

Looking ahead 

This consultation is the first of at least three opportunities for local communities and stakeholders to contribute to the preparation of the new Guildford Local Plan. We are committed to an open and inclusive process and want as many people as possible to get involved in shaping the future of the borough. 

Before it can be adopted, the new Local Plan will be independently examined by a Planning Inspector appointed by the Government. Once adopted, it will replace the Council’s existing Local Plan documents, including the Local Plan: Strategy and Sites (2019) and Local Plan: Development Management Policies (2023). 

Further information about the timetable for the new Local Plan is available at www.guildford.gov.uk/localplantimetable 

Thank you for your support. We look forward to receiving your views and working with you throughout the Local Plan process.