The full planning application for the redevelopment of the former DEFRA site, in Epsom Road, was approved yesterday by the Guildford Borough Council’s Planning Committee.
Following concerns from residents, it was agreed that local councillors will be consulted on the remaining “reserved” matters in order to represent the views of local residents. Councillors of Christchurch and Merrow will thus be involved in the landscaping, lighting strategy, the travel plan and approval of materials prior to the development commencing on the site.
Following points raised at the meeting, the developers agreed to a formal right of way through the former DEFRA site to create a access for walkers and cyclists to Merrow Downs from Epsom Road. After the deferral of the meeting by a month, the developers Linden Homes, agreed to provide more parking spaces on the site.
However, concerns were raised at the meeting that the developers, Linden Homes, had failed to deliver all their promises over the Queen Elizabeth Park site which they built – such as failing to deliver on a right of way and a new play area, and parking problems which occurred due to lack of sufficient provision of parking spaces.
Cllr Matt Furniss, Borough Councillor for Christchurch, said: “I am glad that so many conditions have been put in place in order to represent the wishes of local residents. Due to the delicate nature of this site and its wider impact on the local area strict measures were needed to keep disruption minimal. A number of concessions have been gained including a right of way through the site which will create a more welcoming pedestrian route to the Downs.”
Cllr Sheridan Westlake, Borough Councillor for Merrow, said: “The regeneration of the DEFRA complex will provide important new homes without having to concrete over the Green Belt or people’s back gardens. But it is important to learn the lessons from Queen Elizabeth Park. Moving forward, local councillors and residents will be ensuring that the developers and new management company keep to the promises that they made to get their planning permission.”