Agenda item

The Lead Councillor for Infrastructure and Governance introduced the draft Guildford Town Centre Views Study and covering briefing note which advised the Executive Advisory Board of the emerging views study and sought its comments regarding this draft work.  The Design and Conservation Team Leader presented the study and delivered an explanatory presentation.

The EAB was advised that Land Use Consultants had been appointed by the Council to produce a study in respect of Guildford town centre identifying views or viewing places that helped to promote a better understanding of Guildford, how it had developed and its relationship with the countryside beyond.  The study was also intended to promote recognition of particularly important views of local historic assets that assisted appreciation of the development of the town and demonstrated how proposals for taller buildings would impact on them.

Section 1 of the document set out the context and purpose of the study, Section 2 provided a commentary on the historical development of Guildford and its legacy landmark buildings, Section 3 explored the relationship between Guildford and its landscape setting, Section 4 listed historic assets, landmarks and related views, and Section 5 set out the viewpoint selection process.  The figures showed the study area, the legacy landmarks, and key views of the river corridor, town centre approaches and town centre whilst the appendices set out relevant planning policies, the historic development of Guildford from 500 AD, and special characteristics and qualities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The study included a long list of the selected views and viewing places highlighting those 15 key views which had been scoped in following analysis to reflect their importance in retaining the character of Guildford and the factors that had made it special.  The key views in the river corridor were Dapdune Wharf looking south and Wey-South Path at Shalford Park looking north, those in the town centre approaches were Stoke Park looking south-west, Pewley Hill looking north-west, St Catherine’s Hill looking north, Hog’s Back looking north-east and Farnham Road looking east, and those in the town centre were Sydenham Road / Bright Hill looking north, High Street looking west, Quarry Street looking north, Castle Motte looking north-west, Old Town Bridge looking east, Old Town Bridge looking west, The Mount looking east and Stag Hill looking south-east.  Guidance in respect of managing change in relation to each key view was provided.  Seasonal differences to the key views were taken into account.  The document would be used as the evidence base for officers to produce a views and height supplementary planning document (SPD).

The following points arose from related discussion and questions:

·             The study was good, comprehensive and supported.

·             The SPD to follow the study would assist the Council to anticipate the impact of future development in Guildford, particularly that involving tall buildings.

·             The proposed station development was outlined on the photographs of Stag Hill, looking south-east to enable it to be visualised.  To make this clearer, it was suggested that the development be blocked in on the photographs to show its actual impact.

·             Although good views of the town centre could be seen from the tea terrace of the House of Fraser store in the High Street, this site had not satisfied the criteria for selection as a key view.

·             As most of the views were seen from high or level viewpoints, it was suggested that consideration be given to including views seen from lower positions looking up to give a different perspective.

·             Consideration should be given to including some of the photographs of the views in the displays in the Millmead House reception area.

·             Further SPDs, including those relating to the Strategic Development Framework and Sustainability, were also being prepared.

In summary, the Chairman confirmed the EAB’s support for the study and following SPD.