In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, Councillor Paul Spooner to propose, and Councillor Nigel Manning to second, the following motion:
“The Guildford Borough Local Plan was based on Brownfield sites and Infrastructure first. Infrastructure was a key requirement in the Local Plan and if it could not be delivered then housing should not be built. This constraint was a key factor in the adopted local plan.
It is now clear that the most significant piece of infrastructure affecting Guildford Town Centre, namely the A3 Capacity Upgrade, can no longer be delivered in this Local Plan period.
Whilst Highways England submitted this capacity upgrade as part of Road Investment Strategy 2 (2020-2025) this has not been taken forward.
Surrey Highways and Transport for South East are pushing for it to be included in Road Investment Strategy 3 (2025-2030). If accepted and designed during this period, buildout of this complex upgrade would follow in 2030 through 2035 which is after the period of this local plan.
Therefore, a review of the Local Plan must now take place as this key constraint is now a reality and the Local Plan should not be delivered as originally set out.
Neither Surrey Highways nor Highways England have been asked by Guildford Borough Council to review the transport and infrastructure evidence base following this clear indication that the A3 Capacity Upgrade will not be delivered within the Local Plan period.
Housing capacity without the A3 upgrade was significantly constrained and affects thousands of houses along its corridor with the Guildford Town Centre and surrounding area.
This Council therefore:
RESOLVES: That a review of the Local Plan be undertaken immediately to reduce the housing numbers as the A3 capacity upgrade cannot be delivered in the plan period.”
Minutes:
In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, Councillor Paul Spooner proposed, and Councillor Nigel Manning seconded, the following motion:
“The Guildford Borough Local Plan was based on Brownfield sites and Infrastructure first. Infrastructure was a key requirement in the Local Plan and if it could not be delivered then housing should not be built. This constraint was a key factor in the adopted local plan.
It is now clear that the most significant piece of infrastructure affecting Guildford Town Centre, namely the A3 Capacity Upgrade, can no longer be delivered in this Local Plan period.
Whilst Highways England submitted this capacity upgrade as part of Road Investment Strategy 2 (2020-2025) this has not been taken forward.
Surrey Highways and Transport for South East are pushing for it to be included in Road Investment Strategy 3 (2025-2030). If accepted and designed during this period, buildout of this complex upgrade would follow in 2030 through 2035 which is after the period of this local plan.
Therefore, a review of the Local Plan must now take place as this key constraint is now a reality and the Local Plan should not be delivered as originally set out.
Neither Surrey Highways nor Highways England have been asked by Guildford Borough Council to review the transport and infrastructure evidence base following this clear indication that the A3 Capacity Upgrade will not be delivered within the Local Plan period.
Housing capacity without the A3 upgrade was significantly constrained and affects thousands of houses along its corridor with the Guildford Town Centre and surrounding area.
This Council therefore:
RESOLVES: That a review of the Local Plan be undertaken immediately to reduce the housing numbers as the A3 capacity upgrade cannot be delivered in the plan period.”
During the debate on the motion, Councillor Paul Spooner proposed, and Councillor Nigel Manning seconded, the following procedural motion, on the basis that the continued debate of this matter in a pre-election period would be very difficult without being political:
“That the debate be adjourned to the next meeting of the Council.”
The procedural motion was put to the vote and was lost.
Under the Remote Meetings Protocol, a roll call was taken to record the vote on the procedural motion to adjourn the debate to the next meeting of the Council, which was lost, with seventeen councillors voting in favour, twenty-seven voting against and no abstentions, as follows:
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FOR: |
AGAINST: |
ABSTAIN: |
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Councillor David Bilbé Councillor Richard Billington Councillor Graham Eyre Councillor Andrew Gomm Councillor Angela Goodwin Councillor David Goodwin Councillor Angela Gunning Councillor Nigel Manning Councillor Ann McShee Councillor Bob McShee Councillor Marsha Moseley Councillor Ramsey Nagaty Councillor Susan Parker Councillor Jo Randall Councillor Paul Spooner Councillor James Walsh Councillor Catherine Young |
Councillor Paul Abbey Councillor Tim Anderson Councillor Jon Askew Councillor Christopher Barrass Councillor Joss Bigmore Councillor Chris Blow Councillor Dennis Booth Councillor Ruth Brothwell Councillor Colin Cross Councillor Gillian Harwood Councillor Jan Harwood Councillor Tom Hunt Councillor Diana Jones Councillor Steven Lee Councillor Ted Mayne Councillor Julia McShane Councillor Masuk Miah Councillor George Potter Councillor John Redpath Councillor Maddy Redpath Councillor John Rigg Councillor Tony Rooth Councillor Will Salmon Councillor Deborah Seabrook Councillor Pauline Searle Councillor James Steel Councillor Fiona White |
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Following the debate on the motion, Councillor Susan Parker proposed, and Councillor Ramsey Nagaty seconded, the following amendment:
Amendment No.1
In the proposed resolution, delete “..as the A3 capacity upgrade cannot be delivered in the plan period”.
The proposed resolution, as amended, would therefore read as follows:
“That a review of the Local Plan be undertaken immediately to reduce the housing numbers.”
Following the debate on Amendment No.1 it was put to a vote and was lost.
Under the Remote Meetings Protocol, a roll call was taken to record the vote on Amendment No1, which was lost, with three councillors voting in favour, thirty-seven voting against and four abstentions, as follows:
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FOR: |
AGAINST: |
ABSTAIN: |
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Councillor Ramsey Nagaty Councillor Susan Parker Councillor Catherine Young |
Councillor Paul Abbey Councillor Tim Anderson Councillor Jon Askew Councillor Christopher Barrass Councillor Joss Bigmore Councillor David Bilbé Councillor Chris Blow Councillor Dennis Booth Councillor Ruth Brothwell Councillor Graham Eyre Councillor Andrew Gomm Councillor Angela Goodwin Councillor David Goodwin Councillor Angela Gunning Councillor Gillian Harwood Councillor Jan Harwood Councillor Tom Hunt Councillor Nigel Manning Councillor Ted Mayne Councillor Julia McShane Councillor Ann McShee Councillor Bob McShee Councillor Masuk Miah Councillor Marsha Moseley Councillor George Potter Councillor Jo Randall Councillor John Redpath Councillor Maddy Redpath Councillor John Rigg Councillor Tony Rooth Councillor Will Salmon Councillor Deborah Seabrook Councillor Pauline Searle Councillor Paul Spooner Councillor James Steel Councillor James Walsh Councillor Fiona White |
Councillor Richard Billington Councillor Colin Cross Councillor Diana Jones Councillor Steven Lee
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The Lead Councillor for Resources, Councillor Tim Anderson proposed, and the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Jan Harwood seconded the following amendment:
Amendment No.2
(a) Substitute the following in place of the fifth, sixth, and seventh paragraphs of the motion:
“Adopted Local Plan Policy ID2 Paragraph 2 anticipated such an eventuality with respect to the A3 scheme. It specifically states:
‘In the event that there is a material delay in the anticipated completion and or a reduction in scope of the A3 Guildford (A320 Stoke interchange junction to A31 Hog’s Back junction) “Road Investment Strategy” scheme from that assumed in plan-making, or cancellation of the scheme, Guildford Borough Council will review its transport evidence base to investigate the consequent cumulative impacts of approved developments and Local Plan growth including site allocations on the safe operation and the performance of the Local Road Networks and the Strategic Road Network. In the case of material delay in the anticipated completion and or a reduction in scope in the A3 Guildford scheme, the review will consider the period up to the revised date of completion of the scheme. This review will be undertaken with input as appropriate from Surrey County Council and Highways England or any other licenced strategic highway authority appointed by the Secretary of State under the Infrastructure Act 2015.’
This review process commenced in April 2020 when Guildford Borough Council contacted Surrey County Council to request a review of the transport evidence base previously assembled from 2010 onward for the 2019 Local Plan.
However, greater changes than the A3 have occurred of late which call for a review of the Plan. These include the impact of COVID-19 on retailing, employment, transportation, and residential use, as well as changing population forecasts and the progress of the Guildford Regeneration Project (Town Centre Master Plan). Government proposals to amend the local plan process and zoning are also expected.
All these matters could lead to a change in housing numbers and will require a new Local Plan Evidence Base. They also clearly pose complex opportunities and threats for our Borough which require understanding, careful judgements and expertise ahead of completing the decision on the review and then the decision on an update of the Local Plan.”
(b) Substitute the following in place of the proposed resolution:
“To continue to plan the review of the Local Plan and evidence base, to obtain expert independent assessment of the new issues and changed circumstances to advise on the appropriate route to review the Local Plan, update the Plan’s Evidence Base and then update the Local Plan in order to secure the best outcomes for our community and borough.”
The motion, as amended, would therefore read as follows:
“The Guildford Borough Local Plan was based on Brownfield sites and Infrastructure first. Infrastructure was a key requirement in the Local Plan and if it could not be delivered then housing should not be built. This constraint was a key factor in the adopted local plan.
It is now clear that the most significant piece of infrastructure affecting Guildford Town Centre, namely the A3 Capacity Upgrade, can no longer be delivered in this Local Plan period.
Whilst Highways England submitted this capacity upgrade as part of Road Investment Strategy 2 (2020-2025) this has not been taken forward.
Surrey Highways and Transport for South East are pushing for it to be included in Road Investment Strategy 3 (2025-2030). If accepted and designed during this period, buildout of this complex upgrade would follow in 2030 through 2035 which is after the period of this local plan.
Adopted Local Plan Policy ID2 Paragraph 2 anticipated such an eventuality with respect to the A3 scheme. It specifically states:
‘In the event that there is a material delay in the anticipated completion and or a reduction in scope of the A3 Guildford (A320 Stoke interchange junction to A31 Hog’s Back junction) “Road Investment Strategy” scheme from that assumed in plan-making, or cancellation of the scheme, Guildford Borough Council will review its transport evidence base to investigate the consequent cumulative impacts of approved developments and Local Plan growth including site allocations on the safe operation and the performance of the Local Road Networks and the Strategic Road Network. In the case of material delay in the anticipated completion and or a reduction in scope in the A3 Guildford scheme, the review will consider the period up to the revised date of completion of the scheme. This review will be undertaken with input as appropriate from Surrey County Council and Highways England or any other licenced strategic highway authority appointed by the Secretary of State under the Infrastructure Act 2015.’
However, greater changes than the A3 have occurred of late which call for a review of the Plan. These include the impact of COVID-19 on retailing, employment, transportation, and residential use, as well as changing population forecasts and the progress of the Guildford Regeneration Project (Town Centre Master Plan). Government proposals to amend the local plan process and zoning are also expected.
All these matters could lead to a change in housing numbers and will require a new Local Plan Evidence Base. They also clearly pose complex opportunities and threats for our Borough which require understanding, careful judgements and expertise ahead of completing the decision on the review and then the decision on an update of the Local Plan.
This Council therefore:
RESOLVES: To continue to plan the review of the Local Plan and evidence base, to obtain expert independent assessment of the new issues and changed circumstances, to advise on the appropriate route to review the Local Plan, update the Plan’s Evidence Base and then update the Local Plan in order to secure the best outcomes for our community and borough.”
During the debate on Amendment No. 2, the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Marsha Moseley proposed, and Councillor Nigel Manning seconded, the following closure motion:
“That an immediate vote be taken on Amendment No. 2.”
The closure motion was put to the vote and was carried.
Under the Remote Meetings Protocol, a roll call was taken to record the vote on the closure motion to take an immediate vote on Amendment No.2, which was carried, with twenty-seven councillors voting in favour, fourteen voting against and three abstentions, as follows:
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FOR: |
AGAINST: |
ABSTAIN: |
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Councillor Paul Abbey Councillor Tim Anderson Councillor David Bilbé Councillor Joss Bigmore Councillor Dennis Booth Councillor Colin Cross Councillor Graham Eyre Councillor Angela Goodwin Councillor Angela Gunning Councillor Gillian Harwood Councillor Jan Harwood Councillor Tom Hunt Councillor Diana Jones Councillor Steven Lee Councillor Nigel Manning Councillor Julia McShane Councillor Masuk Miah Councillor Marsha Moseley Councillor Ramsey Nagaty Councillor Jo Randall Councillor John Redpath Councillor Tony Rooth Councillor Deborah Seabrook Councillor Pauline Searle Councillor James Steel Councillor Fiona White Councillor James Walsh |
Councillor Jon Askew Councillor Christopher Barrass Councillor Chris Blow Councillor Ruth Brothwell Councillor David Goodwin Councillor Ted Mayne Councillor Ann McShee Councillor Bob McShee Councillor Susan Parker Councillor George Potter Councillor Maddy Redpath Councillor John Rigg Councillor Will Salmon Councillor Catherine Young |
Councillor Richard Billington Councillor Andrew Gomm Councillor Paul Spooner
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Following the right of reply from the mover of Amendment No.2, the Mayor became unwell and left the meeting. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Marsha Moseley took the chair for the remainder of the meeting.
Following the right of reply from the mover of the original motion, Amendment No. 2 was put to the vote and was carried. The motion thereby became the substantive motion.
Under the Remote Meetings Protocol, a roll call was taken to record the vote on Amendment No.2, which was carried, with thirty-five councillors voting in favour, five voting against and three abstentions, as follows:
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FOR: |
AGAINST: |
ABSTAIN: |
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Councillor Paul Abbey Councillor Tim Anderson Councillor Jon Askew Councillor Christopher Barrass Councillor Joss Bigmore Councillor David Bilbé Councillor Chris Blow Councillor Dennis Booth Councillor Ruth Brothwell Councillor Colin Cross Councillor Angela Goodwin Councillor David Goodwin Councillor Angela Gunning Councillor Gillian Harwood Councillor Jan Harwood Councillor Tom Hunt Councillor Diana Jones Councillor Steven Lee Councillor Ted Mayne Councillor Julia McShane Councillor Ann McShee Councillor Bob McShee Councillor Masuk Miah Councillor Marsha Moseley Councillor George Potter Councillor John Redpath Councillor Maddy Redpath Councillor John Rigg Councillor Tony Rooth Councillor Will Salmon Councillor Deborah Seabrook Councillor Pauline Searle Councillor James Steel Councillor James Walsh Councillor Fiona White |
Councillor Andrew Gomm Councillor Nigel Manning Councillor Susan Parker Councillor Jo Randall Councillor Paul Spooner |
Councillor Graham Eyre Councillor Ramsey Nagaty Councillor Catherine Young
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The Council, having considered the substantive motion,
RESOLVED: That the substantive motion be adopted as follows:
“The Guildford Borough Local Plan was based on Brownfield sites and Infrastructure first. Infrastructure was a key requirement in the Local Plan and if it could not be delivered then housing should not be built. This constraint was a key factor in the adopted local plan.
It is now clear that the most significant piece of infrastructure affecting Guildford Town Centre, namely the A3 Capacity Upgrade, can no longer be delivered in this Local Plan period.
Whilst Highways England submitted this capacity upgrade as part of Road Investment Strategy 2 (2020-2025) this has not been taken forward.
Surrey Highways and Transport for South East are pushing for it to be included in Road Investment Strategy 3 (2025-2030). If accepted and designed during this period, buildout of this complex upgrade would follow in 2030 through 2035 which is after the period of this local plan.
Adopted Local Plan Policy ID2 Paragraph 2 anticipated such an eventuality with respect to the A3 scheme. It specifically states:
‘In the event that there is a material delay in the anticipated completion and or a reduction in scope of the A3 Guildford (A320 Stoke interchange junction to A31 Hog’s Back junction) “Road Investment Strategy” scheme from that assumed in plan-making, or cancellation of the scheme, Guildford Borough Council will review its transport evidence base to investigate the consequent cumulative impacts of approved developments and Local Plan growth including site allocations on the safe operation and the performance of the Local Road Networks and the Strategic Road Network. In the case of material delay in the anticipated completion and or a reduction in scope in the A3 Guildford scheme, the review will consider the period up to the revised date of completion of the scheme. This review will be undertaken with input as appropriate from Surrey County Council and Highways England or any other licenced strategic highway authority appointed by the Secretary of State under the Infrastructure Act 2015.’
This review process commenced in April 2020 when Guildford Borough Council contacted Surrey County Council to request a review of the transport evidence base previously assembled from 2010 onward for the 2019 Local Plan.
However, greater changes than the A3 have occurred of late which call for a review of the Plan. These include the impact of COVID-19 on retailing, employment, transportation, and residential use, as well as changing population forecasts and the progress of the Guildford Regeneration Project (Town Centre Master Plan). Government proposals to amend the local plan process and zoning are also expected.
All these matters could lead to a change in housing numbers and will require a new Local Plan Evidence Base. They also clearly pose complex opportunities and threats for our Borough which require understanding, careful judgements and expertise ahead of completing the decision on the review and then the decision on an update of the Local Plan.
This Council therefore:
RESOLVES: To continue to plan the review of the Local Plan and evidence base, to obtain expert independent assessment of the new issues and changed circumstances, to advise on the appropriate route to review the Local Plan, update the Plan’s Evidence Base and then update the Local Plan in order to secure the best outcomes for our community and borough.”
Under the Remote Meetings Protocol, a roll call was taken to record the vote on the substantive motion, the results of which were forty-two councillors voting in favour, none against, and one abstention, as follows:
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FOR: |
AGAINST: |
ABSTAIN: |
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Councillor Paul Abbey Councillor Tim Anderson Councillor Jon Askew Councillor Christopher Barrass Councillor Joss Bigmore Councillor David Bilbé Councillor Chris Blow Councillor Dennis Booth Councillor Ruth Brothwell Councillor Colin Cross Councillor Graham Eyre Councillor Andrew Gomm Councillor Angela Goodwin Councillor David Goodwin Councillor Angela Gunning Councillor Gillian Harwood Councillor Jan Harwood Councillor Tom Hunt Councillor Diana Jones Councillor Steven Lee Councillor Nigel Manning Councillor Ted Mayne Councillor Julia McShane Councillor Ann McShee Councillor Bob McShee Councillor Masuk Miah Councillor Ramsey Nagaty Councillor Susan Parker Councillor George Potter Councillor Jo Randall Councillor John Redpath Councillor Maddy Redpath Councillor John Rigg Councillor Tony Rooth Councillor Will Salmon Councillor Deborah Seabrook Councillor Pauline Searle Councillor Paul Spooner Councillor James Steel Councillor James Walsh Councillor Fiona White Councillor Catherine Young |
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Councillor Marsha Moseley |
In view of the lateness of the hour, the Council agreed in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15 (z), to proceed with the business remaining on the agenda.