Views sought on major housing proposal

Residents in Guildford are being asked to submit their views on a proposal to transform a car park into a housing development.

The £86m scheme at the Guildford Park Road car park will include 248 homes, with 40% affordable housing, developers Wates Residential said.

Guildford Borough Council said the homes would be modern and "celebrate the town's unique character".

Council leader Julia McShane said she was committed to help residents "find homes at a price they can afford".

"Whether renting or buying, we want this new neighbourhood to be somewhere residents feel proud to call home," she said.

Lee Bushell, regional managing director of Wates Residential, said its aim was to "create sustainable living".

"By regenerating the car park, we can increase biodiversity and foster an environment where people and nature can thrive, while providing residents affordable and high-quality homes," he said.

The developer said it aimed to submit its planning application to the council this summer.

The first public consultation starts on 29 March, while a further two are to take place in the future.

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