£86 Million Housing Development Plans Submitted in Guildford

Major plans for a new housing development on Guildford Park Road have been submitted to the Guildford Borough Council. Wates Construction has proposed an ambitious £86 million project aimed at transforming an under-utilised car park into much-needed residential housing.

The proposed development will create a total of 248 high-quality homes, with 40 percent designated as affordable housing. The design aims to provide appealing public spaces that enhance the town’s character and ensure a vibrant community environment. The project includes four apartment buildings, ranging from four to six storeys, and fifteen townhouses, two to three storeys high, arranged around a central “Living Street” dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists.

Community Engagement and Support

Prior to submitting the planning application, Wates Construction engaged with the community through consultation events across Guildford, receiving 1,250 responses. According to a statement from the Guildford Borough Council (GBC), feedback has been largely positive, with many respondents supporting the proposals. The project team has taken this feedback into account during the planning process.

The council emphasized that alongside the new homes, the development will leave a lasting legacy for the community. Central to this initiative is a comprehensive £11 million social value programme that Wates plans to implement. This programme aims to create 40 new local jobs and provide training and upskilling opportunities for residents. Community initiatives will include the Green Schools Project, a graffiti clean-up effort, 200 hours of volunteering, and 39 work experience placements.

Statements from Local Leaders

Cllr Julia McShane, lead councillor for housing, expressed her satisfaction with the project. “I’m pleased that the council has been able to act on our long-held ambition to invest in under-utilised, council-owned land and redevelop this site,” she stated. McShane highlighted the importance of the project in providing much-needed housing for Guildford, noting that 40 percent of the homes will be owned and managed by the council for those in need.

Lee Bushell, Regional Managing Director of Wates Residential, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Wates are proud to have developed a Social Value Action Plan that makes these proposals so valuable for Guildford.” He added that the development will align with the key priorities of the Guildford Borough Council and aims to foster a sustainable and inclusive community.

The formal planning application has now been submitted and will undergo the standard review process by the Planning Committee. If approved, construction is anticipated to commence by summer 2026, with completion expected toward the end of 2028.

For more information on the submitted plans, interested individuals can visit the project website at www.guildfordparkroad.com.