Purpose

An update on current progress
and next phase of work relating to Shaping Guildford’s
Future.

Content

Decision:

1.         
Note the
progress on the Flood Alleviation Scheme.

2.         
Endorse
the scope of the next phase of the town centre regeneration plan
relating to the land owned by the Council, noting the revised
objectives and deliverables.

3.         
Endorse
the preparation of Planning Briefs by the Local Planning Authority
in relation to the Council-owned sites.

4.         
Approve
the transfer of £200,000 revenue earmarked in the 2024-25
Budget from Usable Reserves to fund the next phase of
work.

5.         
Approve
the use of any Surrey Empty Homes Fund grant secured for Shaping
Guildford’s Future and the Flood Alleviation Scheme to
support the delivery of the scope set out in this
report.
Reason(s):
The recommendations in this report support the Council’s
ongoing commitment to work in partnership with the Environment
Agency and SCC to progress work on a Flood Alleviation Scheme in
Guildford town centre. The recommendations also support the
Council’s aspiration to identify opportunities to accelerate
the delivery of housing within the town centre on Council owned
sites.
Other options considered and rejected by the
Executive:

1.        Do nothing
– The Executive could decide to pause the continuation of any
work relating to Shaping Guildford’s Future and its
involvement in Guildford Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS). This would
delay the delivery of key sites which will support the economic
regeneration of the town centre which requires flooding
remediation. It is likely that without a strategy and progression
of the FAS, the sites will remain undeveloped, or development will
come forward in an uncoordinated manner and fail to address the
substantial existing constraints. If the project is abandoned,
monies spent to date on previous phases would be written
off.

2.        Only progress
the Flood Alleviation Scheme – The Executive could decide to
progress solely with work on the Flood Alleviation Scheme. However,
without the progression of the wider regeneration plan work, sites
will remain undeveloped and not play the role they need to within
the overall economy of the town and contribute to meeting housing
need within the borough.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or
lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.