FAQs about the Westborough and Park Barn Better Homes Programme

What is the Westborough and Park Barn Better Homes Programme?

The Better Homes Programme aims to help ensure local people have access to high-quality homes and a thriving neighbourhood, now and into the future.

Some Council-owned homes in parts of Westborough and Park Barn face challenges related to their structural condition, energy efficiency and accessibility, and some homes are currently unable to be occupied. Through the programme, Guildford Borough Council is exploring how these challenges could be addressed alongside wider improvements to the neighbourhood.

Potential future approaches may include:

• improving existing Council-owned homes
• bringing suitable empty homes back into use
• building new homes or replacing some existing properties
• improving shared spaces and public areas.

Why is Guildford Borough Council starting this project now?

The Council wants to better understand local priorities and explore how Westborough and Park Barn can continue to thrive in the future.

There are currently homes in the area affected by structural issues, poor energy efficiency and accessibility challenges, alongside a number of long-term empty properties. The Better Homes Programme gives an opportunity to look at these issues together and develop a long-term plan for improvements, shaped by local people's views.

Has anything been decided?

No. This work is at an early stage, and no decisions have been made. We are starting by listening to residents and gathering information about what matters most to local people before any future options are explored.

How will existing residents be affected? 

There are no confirmed plans for property upgrades, redevelopment or demolition beyond work already announced on structurally unsafe empty homes.

The purpose of this stage of the programme is to understand local priorities, concerns and hopes for the future. As the programme develops, the Council will continue to engage with residents and use community feedback to help shape future decisions.

I'm a Council tenant - what does this mean for me and my home?  

At this stage, there are no confirmed plans. We want to hear from tenants about their experiences, priorities and concerns. Your feedback will help us understand what improvements should be prioritised as the programme develops.

The Better Homes Programme is separate from the Council's day-to-day responsibility to maintain Council homes and carry out necessary repairs and improvements. If you need to report a repair or have concerns about your home, please continue to contact the Council in the usual way.

I'm a homeowner or private tenant - what does this mean for me and my property?  

We want to hear from everyone who lives in, works in or visits Westborough and Park Barn.

The programme is not solely about Council housing. We recognise that the area contains a mix of homeowners, leaseholders, private tenants and landlords, and we want future decisions to be informed by the experiences of the whole community.

How will Local Government Reorganisation impact the Westborough and Park Barn Better Homes project?

The Government has announced that Surrey's 11 district and borough councils and Surrey County Council will be reorganised into two new unitary authorities - West Surrey Council and East Surrey Council.  

These new authorities will replace the existing councils in April 2027. Until then, Guildford Borough Council, along with the other existing councils across Surrey, will continue to provide services as usual.  

Our Full Council has approved funding for Phase 1 of the Westborough and Park Barn Better Homes Programme. This phase will include community engagement, the development of a long-term improvement strategy, and the preparation of an Outline Business Case.   

Responsibility for Housing and Regeneration services, including this project, will move to West Surrey Council in April 2027. This change will give the new authority the chance to shape future progress and build on the work already done.

Why are you carrying out a survey?

The survey is the first stage of the Better Homes Programme.

It will help us understand:

• what people value about Westborough and Park Barn
• what issues and challenges residents experience
• how local homes, streets and open spaces are used
• what residents would most like to improve
• what should be prioritised as the programme develops.

What we learn will help us decide the next steps. We'll share the survey results with residents once they have been reviewed.

What has been done so far?  

The Council has:

• approved funding for Phase 1 of the programme
• appointed Levitt Bernstein, WR-AP, ZCD Architects and Kanda Consulting to support the first phase of work
• established a Community Engagement Group involving local residents
• continued work to address structurally unsafe empty homes and bring suitable vacant homes back into use

started gathering information about local housing conditions, community priorities and neighbourhood challenges.

Who are the project team supporting the programme?

Guildford Borough Council has appointed Levitt Bernstein to lead a team of architects, urban designers, landscape architects and community engagement specialists to support the first phase of the Better Homes Programme.

The team includes Levitt Bernstein, WR-AP, ZCD Architects and Kanda Consulting. Together, they will work with residents, community groups and stakeholders to help develop an improvement plan for the area.

What is the Inclusive Community Panel?

The Inclusive Community Panel will help ensure a wide range of local voices are involved throughout the Better Homes Programme.

We are looking for residents aged 14 and over from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, with one third of the panel made up of young people. Members will take part in four workshops to share local knowledge, discuss ideas and help shape the programme as it develops.

To thank people for their time and contribution, panel members will receive £30 for each two hour workshop they attend.

If you'd like to get involved, please visit our online form or call 01483 505050.

How can I get involved? 

There are several ways to get involved:

• complete the resident survey
• attend the pop-up event at The Hive on Wednesday 11 November, 4pm to 8pm
• join the Inclusive Community Panel
• email the project team with your comments and questions.

If you would like to take part or find out more, please contact us by:

Email: wpb-betterhomes@guildford.gov.uk
Telephone: 01483 505050

Your feedback will help shape the next stage of the Better Homes Programme.

What happens next?

Once the survey and first stage of community engagement is finished, the project team will review all the feedback and publish a summary of what we heard.

Your views will help shape the next stage of the Better Homes Programme and any future options that are explored. We'll update residents throughout the process and provide more opportunities to share your views and get involved.