Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: April 24, 2025

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.