What is the Guildford Development Framework?
The Guildford Development Framework (GDF) is a set of planning documents that will explain and influence how the Borough is expected to change and grow from now until 2026. The GDF affects many aspects of our lives – from where we live, where we work, and where and how we use our leisure time.
The GDF will set a vision for the Borough and local areas within it and set out the most sustainable locations and ways for development to happen. Sustainable development is about meeting everybody’s needs today, while still making sure future generations are able to meet the needs of tomorrow. We have to balance environmental, economic and social needs for land and buildings. The aim is to preserve and enhance the distinct character of Guildford Borough while at the same time meeting identified needs and national targets for new development.
Sticking to the rules
In preparing the GDF we must follow guidance set by others. For example, we have to comply with the Government’s national planning policy statements, unless we have good reason not to, and the regional planning document for 2006-2026, the South East Plan (this page opens in a new window).
We also need to take into account the 'spatial' (geographical) aspects of plans and strategies from our partners and other organisations. These include:
- the Sustainable Community Strategy (2009) and emerging delivery plan
- the Surrey Local Area Agreement (2008)
- the Surrey Community Strategy (A Vision for Surrey in 2020)
- Guildford Borough’s housing and economic strategies
- the corporate plans of organisations such as the Primary Care Trust (health), the Environment Agency (flood risk and biodiversity) and Surrey County Council (education, waste disposal, highways, social services)
- the second Surrey Local Transport Plan.
What are the GDF documents?
Statement of Community Involvement - This sets out how we will consult on planning applications, Guildford Development Framework documents and policy documents.
Core Strategy - The Core Strategy is the main, over-arching, strategic framework for the GDF that sets out where and when different areas of the borough are likely to change in the future, and how this will happen. It makes planned decisions about the use of land in the borough up to 2026. The Core Strategy vision is compatible with the vision of the Sustainable Community Strategy and Guildford Borough Council together with its partner organisations will work to deliver this vision.
Site Allocations DPD - Allocates specific sites for development to meet the need for a range of uses including employment, retail, residential, leisure and transport.
Annual Monitoring Report - Provides a yearly update on the progress of the GDF and the implementation of planning policies. It is published at the end of the year.
Supplementary Planning Documents - Provide further planning principles and guidance. They may be guides for design, sustainability, infrastructure and conservation and are useful tools when considering planning proposals.
Town Centre Area Action Plan - This allocates land for development and sets out a master plan and planning policies to guide and promote change in Guildford Town Centre up to 2026.
Local Development Scheme – The Local Development Scheme is a project plan for the Guildford Development Framework and it sets out key dates and milestones for the development of documents.
The story so far
We have already finished some parts of the GDF. The completed GDF documents so far include:
We have also completed many background information studies, known as the ‘evidence base’ to inform and support the GDF documents. Evidence base documents include studies such as the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Landscape Character Areas, and the Strategic Housing Market Assessment as just a sample.
What next?
We are continuing to work on other documents within the GDF. These include the Core Strategy, Guildford Town Centre Area Action Plan and Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD), and in the future there will also be revised Development Control policies for the borough. You can find more details on our website, where you will also find the GDF’s project timetable, “the Local Development Scheme”.
It's all jargon to me…
Click on the following link to access the planning portal ‘jargon busting’ (this page opens in a new window) glossary to explain some of the words and terms we use.
Are you a future planner?
If you are interested in a career in planning you can find out further information on our website or at the Royal Town Planning Institute website (this page opens in a new window).
Find out more
Details of the GDF documents, consultations and the wide range of research documents (called ‘evidence base’) can be viewed on our GDF web pages. Paper copies are available to view at Planning Reception, Guildford Borough Council, Second Floor of Millmead House.
To find out the latest information follow the links on this website or contact us:
Planning Policy
Planning Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444471
Email: planningpolicy@guildford.gov.uk