Taylor Wimpey has submitted an appeal for its hybrid planning application for the Former Wisley Airfield site, which will now be reviewed by the Government, as Guildford Borough Council has not determined the application within the allocated timing laid out in the Planning Performance Agreement (PPA).
Following extensive council and community engagement over the past two years, Taylor Wimpey plans to transform the Former Wisley Airfield site, which was allocated for residential development in Guildford Borough Council’s Local Plan, into three carefully designed distinct sustainable neighbourhoods with a vast Country Park which will feature more than 6,700 new trees and shrubs, native scrubland and wildlife habitat, and a Visitor Centre.
The planning application features 1,730 homes, including 692 Affordable Homes. Residents will be able to use a wide range of onsite community facilities including healthcare, education and sporting facilities. The development will also include shops and cafes, in the new Local Centre which will serve both the new and existing community. Delivering the new neighbourhoods will create 417 permanent jobs on site and £52.8m residents spend in local shops and services.
The site will provide a range of sustainable modes of transport which includes e-bike hire, car club membership and new bus services to key local destinations, with bus stops within 200m of each new home.
Antonis Pazourou, Community and Green Infrastructure Manager for Taylor Wimpey, said:
“We have worked openly and transparently with the council and community, including over 50 meetings with the council, as well as four independent Design Review Panel meetings with Design South East. We are confident that our proposals will transform the former airfield into a vibrant and connected community where people can live, relax, work, learn and enjoy nature – in line with the council’s policies.”
A spokesperson for Affordable Housing provider VIVID, who will oversee the delivery of the Affordable Housing provision at the Former Wisley Airfield, said:
“Guildford, like most areas across the country, is grappling with an affordable home shortage with many young people and families unable to afford to own their own home in the borough. The Former Wisley Airfield site provides us with an opportunity to bridge this gap and make a positive impact to the community, as well as providing residents with a safe and secure place to live and prosper.”
