Latest news

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

Have your say on our Strategic Development Framework planning document

Following the adoption of Guildford's Local Plan: strategy and sites in 2019, we are currently working on our preferred options for more detailed Development Management Policies to provide further guidance on future development in our borough. Read more >

Community lottery winner donates prize to charity

The winner of Guildford Community Lottery's pre-Christmas draw said he had never won anything in his life - and then immediately donated his prize to Artventure learning disabilities charity in Merrow! Read more >

Exhibition gives a fascinating taste of history for all ages

Eating In, the new exhibition which opens at Guildford House Gallery this Saturday, is sure to give plenty of food for thought in telling the fascinating story of home cooking - including a time when children drank more beer than milk! Read more >

Send Neighbourhood Plan consultation starts 17 January

A six-week consultation on the Send Neighbourhood Plan 2019-2034 will begin on Friday 17 January 2020. Residents will have until 28 February to share their views on the plan. Read more >

Guildford Borough Council installs its first water bottle refilling station

As part of its commitment to eliminating single-use plastic containers, the Council has installed its first ever water bottle refilling station. Read more >

Above and beyond: who makes a real difference in your community? Nominations invited for Mayor's award

Do you know anyone in your community who goes out of their way to improve the lives of others? Read more >

Major council investment unlocked for Weyside Urban Village infrastructure

Significant funding to unlock the infrastructure phase of the Weyside Urban Village project in Guildford was approved by the Council's Executive last night (7 January). Read more >

Walnut Bridge and Bedford Plaza projects take a further step forward

The Walnut Bridge and the Bedford Plaza projects took another step forward at last night's (7 January) Executive meeting. Read more >

Increase in funding for voluntary organisations in Guildford

Last night, the Executive approved recommendations to increase future financial support for voluntary and community organisations across Guildford. Read more >

Recycling during the festive season

Enjoying the festive season can often bring extra waste which if not properly disposed of can be bad for the environment. There are plenty of ways you can recycle and help us work together to tackle climate change and work towards a carbon free borough. Read more >

Continued commitment to tackling air quality and the climate change emergency

On 23 July the Council declared a climate emergency and we confirmed our commitment to collaborate with partners to achieve a net zero carbon emissions target goal by 2030 and launched a Climate Change and Innovation Board (CCIB). Read more >

Air Quality Action Plan to reduce queuing with right turn ban in Compton

From Monday 16 December 2019, drivers of vehicles travelling north on The Street, Compton (B3000) will be prohibited from turning right into Downs Lane. Access to Downs Lane will be via the roundabout and a left-hand turn. Read more >

General Election result for the Guildford Constituency

The result of the election of a Member of Parliament for the Guildford Constituency has been declared. Read more >

Guildford Community Lottery celebrates first anniversary

Guildford Community Lottery celebrates its first birthday with the promise of helping even more good causes in 2020 - and by giving one lucky supporter the chance to win an Apple iPad Pro this weekend! Read more >

Please return postal votes as soon as possible

Voters are being encouraged to return their postal votes as soon as possible to ensure that their votes are counted. Read more >

Taxi driver has licence revoked - decision confirmed by Magistrates' Court

A hackney carriage driver has had their appeal against the Council's decision to revoke their driver's licence dismissed by Guildford Magistrates' Court. Read more >

Guildford's innovators celebrated at awards night

Guildford's dynamic innovators were recognised at the Innovation Awards ceremony at the Harbour Hotel last night. The annual awards celebrate inspirational innovation across a broad spectrum of sectors in the borough - building upon the theme of supporting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects. Read more >

Local Plan challenges dismissed

James Whiteman, Managing Director of Guildford Borough Council said: "I can confirm that Sir Duncan Ouseley sitting as a High Court judge has dismissed all three challenges to Guildford's adopted Local Plan. Read more >

Guildford celebrates young carers at Guildford Spectrum event

Young carers play a vital and under-appreciated role in our borough, with estimates suggesting as many as 8% of children aged 5 to 18 locally act as carers for a family member. To offer young carers and their families a chance to take a break and spend some time having fun with their loved ones, we invited local young carers and their families to a recent event at Guildford Spectrum. Read more >

Commitment to Climate Change continues with significant investment

Nearly £250k was pledged to deliver the Council's climate change objectives and energy management plans at a meeting of the Executive last night. Read more >

Change of venue for some polling stations for the General Election on 12 December 2019

Some of our polling stations are unavailable for polling day on Thursday 12 December so we have had to find alternative venues at very short notice to ensure that poll cards with the details of the polling stations can be printed and dispatched to voters in plenty of time. Read more >

Local sporting achievements celebrated at Sport Guildford Awards 2019

The Sport Guildford Awards is the annual celebration of sport in Guildford and an opportunity to shine a light on Guildford's sporting community. Read more >

Guildford Philanthropy welcomes new Corporate Ambassadors

Twenty-three local businesses have signed up to represent Guildford Philanthropy as Corporate Ambassadors, illustrating the commitment of the local business community to support those who need a helping hand in our community. Read more >

All is bright...at the Christmas lights switch-on event

Christmas is coming to Guildford on Thursday 21 November when our High Street will be full of entertainment for all the family at our annual Christmas lights switch-on event. Read more >

Major investment approved as £52.3 million grant awarded for new Weyside Urban Village

The new Weyside Urban Village project took another significant step forward today as the Chancellor announced that the Council's bid for £52.3 million from the Housing Infrastructure Fund to support the provision of 1,500 new homes on the site has been successful. Read more >

Leading the way in sustainable, innovative gardening at North Moor Allotments

The relocation of Bellfield Road's allotments to a brand new sustainable site at North Moors is set to secure Guildford as a leader in environmentally-friendly community gardening projects. Read more >

Lovelace Neighbourhood Plan - consultation dates announced

A six-week consultation on the Lovelace Neighbourhood Plan 2019-2034 will begin on Monday 4 November. Read more >

Gaming industry puts Guildford firmly on the international map

Known as 'the Hollywood of video games', Guildford is set to benefit from international recognition and investment thanks to support through the government's Department for International Trade (DIT). Read more >

New electric minibus fleet for Dial-a-Ride service

A new electric minibus fleet will help keep the streets of Guildford cleaner and greener, thanks to approval of an £820,000 investment for Dial-a-Ride community transport vehicles. Read more >

Final results for all 22 Guildford Borough wards now online

We have been publishing the results for each ward as they were declared throughout the day. Read more >

New Local Plan - Planning Inspector's final report published

The government's Planning Inspector has now produced his final report and recommendations and submitted them to the Council. This marks the end of his independent examination of our submitted Local Plan. Read more >

Chantry Wood campsite to remain open

The Council's Executive have agreed that Chantry Wood campsite in the Surrey Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) will remain open for use by the public. Read more >