Latest news

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and press releases.

Essential design advice for homeowners extending or altering their properties

Homeowners and developers now have better guidance for altering and extending their homes as a new Residential Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document, or SPD was adopted at the last meeting of the Executive in September. Read more >

New Walnut Bridge plans approved as part of Guildford's Sustainable Transport Package

Plans to update and replace Walnut Bridge were approved at a meeting of the Planning Committee last night. One of a number of innovative projects within Guildford Town Centre's Sustainable Transport package, the new bridge will encourage walking and cycling between the town centre and the station. Read more >

New properties mark another step forward in town centre transformation

We have just acquired two properties in the Bedford Wharf area to help advance our plans to regenerate Guildford town centre. Read more >

Winners announced as Mayor's Awards for Access celebrates 15 years

Ten local organisations and individuals have been recognised for their dedication to making the borough a more accessible place for all at this year's Mayor's Awards for Access. The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford Museum and Guildford Library were among those picking up awards at a ceremony at The Council Chamber last night (3 October). Read more >

Free enterprising advice to help businesses grow and succeed

Existing and start-up businesses in the borough will benefit from a new, free advice and support service from Guildford Borough Council in partnership with Enterprise M3 Growth Hub and BE Group. Read more >

Successful planning enforcement cases

The Council has had success on three recent planning enforcement cases. Read more >

New war memorial unveiled in Guildford

On Sunday 30 September a new war memorial, commemorating all those with a local Guildford connection who died while serving in the Armed Forces since the end of World War Two, was dedicated at a special ceremony in the Castle Grounds. Read more >

Free creative workshops in the Guildford Big Draw 2018

Arts and crafts enthusiasts, or those who would just like to try something new, now have the chance with 10 free workshops held across the borough as part of the sixth annual Big Draw in October. Read more >

First meeting of new Guildford Joint Committee

The Guildford Joint Committee had its first meeting on 19 September. Read more >

Rewarding local innovation at the Guildford Innovation Awards - enter now

The Guildford Innovation Awards 2018 have been designed to celebrate what Guildford does best - innovate! The awards build upon the success of the 2018 Innovate Guildford programme, celebrating inspirational innovation across a spectrum of sectors in the borough and promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths ('STEM') subjects. They are open to individuals, businesses and social enterprises located in our borough. Read more >

Celebrating our borough's blooming great gardeners

Green fingered creativity was celebrated through the theme of 'peace' to mark the centenary of World War I at the annual Guildford in Bloom Awards on 12 September. Read more >

Local heritage sites open their doors for Heritage Open Days

Do you want to discover more about Guildford's rich heritage? This weekend, from Thursday 13 September to Sunday 16 September, Heritage Open Days will be back in Guildford offering free access to a host of different events, buildings, churches, guided walks, talks, activities and tours. Many different locations are taking part, including a glass blower's studio, a vineyard and The Royal Grammar School's Chained Library. Read more >

Guildford awarded Purple Flag status for the fifth year!

For the fifth year in a row Guildford town centre has been recognised by the Purple Flag assessors for its safe and diverse night time economy. It remains the only town in Surrey and one of only 70 in the UK to hold the award. Read more >

Guildford Community Lottery - launch event

The Council is launching a new online lottery called the Guildford Community Lottery. Read more >

Council scrutinises its commitment to sustainable transport plans

Plans and policies to change travel behaviour in the borough were constructively challenged at a meeting of the Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 11 September. Read more >

Updated Local Plan - consultation on main changes starts 11 September

Help shape the borough's future by commenting on the main modifications to our updated Local Plan in the next consultation, as agreed by the Executive at its meeting last night (4 September). Read more >

Community Governance Review of East and West Clandon

Both Clandon Parish Councils want to increase the number of elected parish councillors. East Clandon Parish Council from five to six and West Clandon Parish Council from six to eight. We're consulting the public about this in a Community Governance Review which launches on Monday 3 September. Read more >

Local company investment to benefit the Borough's digital infrastructure

Funding for a community project to provide full 'fibre to the premises' (FTTP) broadband to connect Guildford's rural communities was agreed by the Executive on Tuesday 28 August. Read more >

Councillor resigns from Conservative Group

Councillor Bob McShee has resigned from the Conservative group on the Council to become an Independent Councillor. Read more >

Local Plan - next step in shaping our borough's future

We are reaching another milestone in providing much-needed homes, jobs, leisure and other opportunities across our borough, as the Executive consider the main modifications consultation at a special Local Plan meeting on Tuesday 4 September. Read more >

Transforming Guildford's town centre and future continues

We are moving forward with our bold plans to regenerate Guildford, as we continue work on our overall strategy and engage external specialists to help with some of the next stages. Read more >

Get in touch and discover the hidden treasures in your local area

Our borough is full of historical objects, hidden places and untold stories. This has inspired Guildford Museum's new project, Our History Our Identity, which aims to uncover more about our rural past and identity by involving and working with local residents. Read more >

Extension of Licensing for Landlords and Letting Agents

New rules will apply from 1 October 2018 as the licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) is extended to cover all properties occupied by five or more people, regardless of the size of the property. An HMO is a house occupied by unrelated individuals or couples and would include student or shared houses. Read more >

Guildford Community Lottery - get involved

Guildford Borough Council is launching a new online lottery called the Guildford Community Lottery. We are introducing the lottery to provide local charities, community and voluntary organisations, sports clubs, arts groups and other good causes with an opportunity to raise funds. Read more >

West Horsley Neighbourhood Plan - consulting you

West Horsley Parish Council has submitted a Neighbourhood Plan to the Council. The Neighbourhood Plan has recently been examined by an independent examiner, who recommended that a number of changes are made to the plan before it goes out to a referendum of residents in the West Horsley Neighbourhood Area. Read more >

Great step forward for local democracy as Guildford Joint Committee established

Even closer working between Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council will take its next step this year after approval was given to set up a new Guildford Joint Committee. Read more >

Council adopts East Horsley Neighbourhood Plan

The Council has adopted the East Horsley Neighbourhood Plan, following its meeting on 24 July and the successful referendum result on 17 May 2018. Read more >

Another great year for Guildford's parks and green spaces

Guildford's parks and green spaces have once again been recognised for being beautifully maintained, having the highest possible environmental standards and excellent visitor facilities, retaining our status as one of the best areas to visit in the South East. Read more >

Travellers at Bellfields Green

We are aware of a new traveller encampment on Bellfields Green, and are in the process of doing all we can, as quickly as possible. Read more >

Green light for infrastructure improvements and community bike scheme

The first stage of package of improvements to make it easier to get around Guildford have been given the go-ahead, highlighting the Council's commitment to sustainable transport and economic growth. Read more >

Future £8.5 million budget gap means more savings and local investment

Despite a successful combination of focused savings, wise investment and effective management, the Council still faces significant funding challenges. Read more >

LGiU's annual Councillor Achievement Awards 2018

Now in their ninth year, the LGiU awards are the only awards to celebrate the important work of councillors across England. If you would like to nominate a councillor please visit the LGiU website and make your nomination. Nominations can be made by councillors, officers, MPs, residents or other stakeholders - but councillors may not nominate themselves. Categories include; Community Champion, Finance and Transformation Award, Health Care Award, Leader of the Year, Place-shaping and Environment Award, Technology and Digital Award and Young Councillor of the Year. The closing date is 14 September and the winners will be announced on 6 November.

Published on Friday 6 July.

Local Plan public hearings start for independent inspection

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: "We are very proud of the Local Plan we submitted to the inspectorate and look forward to it being tested through the examination process and the public hearings that start today (5 June). Read more >

Local Plan progresses with more answers for independent inspector

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: "Our new Local Plan is the best way to provide the homes, jobs, education, transport and other essential infrastructure to balance community needs across our borough. Progress continues and we have now responded to the second set of initial questions and the matters and issues questions received from the Planning Inspector. Our answers give the opportunity to clarify the reasoning behind our plan and explain the positive steps taken to deliver the plan." Read more >

Local Plan next step - guidance, matters and issues for examination and hearings

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: "Our new Local Plan is progressing through independent examination and aims to help communities thrive and balance needs, wherever people live or work in the borough. The Planning Inspector manages the whole process and decides if he wants to ask the Council, or anyone else, for clarification or to raise concerns as part of testing the soundness of our plan. Read more >

Local Plan progresses with answers for independent inspector

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: "Our new Local Plan is the best way to provide the homes, jobs, education, transport and other essential infrastructure to balance community needs across our borough. We have now responded to the set of initial questions received from the Planning Inspector, which is part of the usual process of developing a new plan and included topics such as housing numbers, meeting needs and the timing of delivery. Read more >

Local Plan initial questions received from independent inspector

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: "Our Local Plan is about balancing community needs and enabling people to thrive, wherever they live or work in the borough. Receiving the set of initial questions from the Planning Inspector is another step forward and part of the usual process when developing a new plan." Read more >