Latest news

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and press releases.

Local Plan - additional arrangements for Extraordinary Council meeting on 25 April

The Council will consider whether or not the Guildford Borough Local Plan: Strategy and Sites should be adopted at its meeting at 7pm on Thursday 25 April 2019. Read more >

Southway Chicken House fined for breaching licensing rules

A local chicken shop has been fined and ordered to pay costs to Guildford Borough Council, after pleading guilty to trading outside its licensed hours. Read more >

Notice of European Parliamentary Election - Thursday 23 May 2019

The Election for 10 members of the European Parliament for the South East Region is due to take place on Thursday 23 May. Read more >

Extra funding for home adaptations to be considered

More help for home adaptations that support vulnerable residents to stay living safely and independently in their own homes will be considered at a meeting of the Executive on 23 April. Read more >

The Guildford Lottery hits a new milestone

The Guildford Community Lottery hit a new benchmark this week as the 100th local good cause signed up to raise funds. Read more >

Statement of persons nominated for local elections - Thursday 2 May 2019

Elections for local borough councillors in all 22 Guildford Borough Council wards will take place on Thursday 2 May. Read more >

Town Centre's New Play Garden is officially open!

Local families celebrated the opening of our wonderful new play park at Westnye Gardens, just off the River Wey near the High Street on Saturday 30 March. Read more >

New Local Plan - Planning Inspector's final report published

The government's Planning Inspector has now produced his final report and recommendations and submitted them to the Council. This marks the end of his independent examination of our submitted Local Plan. Read more >

Crown Court confirms council decision to revoke private hire driver's licence

A private hire driver has lost their appeal against Guildford Borough Council's decision to revoke their private hire driver's licence. Read more >

Guildford in Bloom competition blasts off for 2019

Guildford in Bloom, the borough's favourite horticultural celebration is open for entries. The free competition is open to everyone, of all ages, living and working in Guildford and closes on 16 June. This year we showcase a lunar theme to mark the 50th Anniversary of the first Moon landing and launch a new category: 'Best Site for Nature Conservation'. Read more >

West Clandon neighbourhood area designated

Guildford Borough Council designated West Clandon parish as a neighbourhood area on 18 March 2019, following an application from West Clandon Parish Council. Read more >

Guildford celebrates local residents awarded with national honours

Local residents and voluntary organisations who received national honours in the past 12 months were celebrated at a special reception organised by the Council. Read more >

Notice of local elections - Thursday 2 May 2019

Elections for local borough councillors in all Guildford Borough Council wards will take place on Thursday 2 May. Any elections for contested parishes will also take place on the same day. Read more >

New Kings College 3G pitch takes a step closer to being completed

The development of the new state-of-the-art third generation (3G) facilities at Kings College took another step towards completion after the removal of the old astroturf pitch. Read more >

Bridge to replace safety hotspot level crossing at Ash

Plans to replace the level crossing at Ash station with a new road bridge and footbridge were further progressed at meeting of the Executive last night (19 March). Read more >

Guildford Station Land and Rail Study

We are pleased to announce the completion of a comprehensive Land and Rail Study for Guildford Station. Read more >

Replacement of Guildford Spectrum Leisure Centre

The Executive agreed to invest in a detailed business case into building a new facility to replace Guildford Spectrum at their meeting on 19 March. Read more >

Wider community use for Guildford Sportsground

Guildford Sportsground, located on Woodbridge Road, will see greater community use thanks to a new management company that Guildford Borough Council will set up with Surrey County Cricket Club and Guildford Cricket Club to manage the site. Read more >

Collaboration at Slyfield to further regeneration plans

Plans to relocate the sewage treatment works at Slyfield Industrial Estate moved ahead when senior representatives from Guildford Borough Council and Thames Water met at the site this week. Read more >

All Guildford taxis to take card payments from 1 April

Paying for your taxi journey in Guildford will be easier from 1 April. From this date all Guildford licensed taxis must have a card payment device and accept payments by credit and debit card. Contactless payments will be available and drivers will print a receipt to show you have paid. Read more >

Innovative vision leads the way for Guildford

A bold new Innovation Strategy embracing a digital future and reflecting our changing society to support the local economy, improve the lives of residents and the delivery of Council services, will be presented for approval by the Executive at a meeting on 19 March. Read more >

Helping Guildford Shakespeare Company find a new home

We support a wide range of arts, heritage and cultural organisations across our borough, including the Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC). Read more >

New sustainable travel network for Guildford

Businesses and organisations across Guildford can secure travel discounts for their staff thanks to a new network launched by the Council as part of its air quality strategy action plan. Read more >

Pupils to take part in Junior Citizen Pilot Programme

Pupils across Guildford will take part in a Junior Citizen pilot scheme this summer term at Guildford Fire Station, thanks to support from Borough and County Councillors. Read more >

Adventure playground and gardens to open in town centre

Following an exciting redevelopment programme Westnye Gardens will open to the public on Saturday 30 March. The Gardens are situated in the heart of Guildford, across the River Wey from Debenhams. Read more >

Science and art come alive at Innovate Guildford on 23 March

Our fantastic science and arts festival, Innovate Guildford is back for its 4th year on Saturday 23 March at G Live. Read more >

New museum - next steps towards a destination to showcase and celebrate innovation, creativity and place

The Executive will consider the latest progress and next stage in transforming our museum into a major focal point for heritage and the arts at its next meeting on 19 March. Read more >

Chantry Wood campsite to remain open

The Council's Executive have agreed that Chantry Wood campsite in the Surrey Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) will remain open for use by the public. Read more >

Slyfield's regeneration progresses

Plans to relocate the sewage treatment works at Slyfield Industrial Estate, another step to significantly regenerating the area, were progressed by the Executive last week (7 March). Read more >

Registration is open for Team Guildford's free taster sessions

Last night, local Olympian Liam Heath MBE and 30 young people nominated to be Specsavers Surrey Youth Games Young Ambassadors, came together to celebrate a new programme of free sessions aimed at giving young people the chance to try a variety of sports and physical activities in Guildford. Read more >

Listening to feedback on future for Chantry Wood Campsite

Following the provisional decision made by the Executive on 8 January, we have completed the local consultation and listened to a number of representations on the future option of a forest school at Chantry Wood Campsite. The feedback will be considered at a special meeting of the Executive on 7 March. Read more >

Changes to stray dog service from 1 March

Lost or found a dog in our borough? From Friday 1 March the way we deal with stray dogs is changing. Read more >

Honorary Alderman Bernard Parke

It is with great sadness that we can confirm former Mayor and Honorary Alderman Bernard Parke passed away last night (Tuesday 26 February). Read more >

Next step agreed to transform and improve whole Council - Future Guildford

Last night (26 February), the Council approved the implementation stage for Future Guildford, a Council-wide approach to reorganising our whole organisation. The Executive recommended it for approval at their last meeting on 19 February. Read more >

Council agrees budget for local investment, more savings and service improvements

Last night (26 February) the Council approved next year's budget and other financial plans. Read more >

New road for Slyfield Industrial Estate to reduce traffic congestion

Works to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve waste facilities in Guildford's largest industrial estate at Slyfield will begin later this month. Read more >

Community and voluntary organisations get £300k funding boost from Council

Voluntary and community organisations across the borough are set to benefit from grant funding totalling almost £300,000 from Guildford Borough Council. CHIPS playscheme, Oakleaf Enterprise and Guildford Action are among those that will receive Council support for the valuable work they do within our local community. The funding was provisionally agreed at last night's Executive meeting (19 February), subject to approval of the Council's budget for 2019-20 at the full Council meeting on 26 February. Read more >

Future Guildford - proposals to transform and improve whole Council

Last night (19 February), the Executive considered the next step for Future Guildford, a Council-wide approach to potentially reorganising our whole organisation. They recommended it for approval at the next Council meeting on 26 February. Read more >

Town Centre Regeneration Progresses at Bedford Wharf

Exciting plans to regenerate Bedford Wharf which include improving station and riverside access for pedestrians and cyclists, new landscaping, public art and open space for community events were progressed at a recent meeting of the Executive. Read more >

Guildford Crematorium redevelopment progressing well

Aerial photos show the excellent progress being made on our project to build a new, improved Crematorium. The old buildings have now been demolished and work has begun on the new chapel, offices and other facilities. The £10 million pound investment in Guildford Crematorium will see the new state-of-the-art facilities, fit for the future needs of families and the local community, open on the existing site in late 2019. Read more >

New Local Plan another step closer after public hearing

The government's Planning Inspector has now finished his latest public hearing, which took place on 12-13 February and forms part of his independent examination of our submitted Local Plan. Read more >

Fly tipping residents fined £300

Two residents from Ripley have been fined £300 by Guildford Borough Council's Joint Enforcement Team (JET) officers after they gave their household waste to someone who later fly tipped it. Read more >

Local history shapes our identity at Guildford Museum's new exhibition

A Woolly Mammoth's tooth, Roman coins and tales of Guildford Borough's famous and not so famous (yet!) figures - these are just some of the untold stories and rich local history being celebrated at a free exhibition at Guildford Museum until 23 March. Read more >

Next week's Local Plan public hearing will focus on housing

The government's Planning Inspector will hold another public hearing on 12-13 February, at the Council's offices in Guildford, as part of his independent examination of our submitted Local Plan. Read more >

Providing services and minimising disruption during severe weather

Most of our services are operating as usual today. Our main priorities remain the safety of the public, our staff and helping our most vulnerable residents to make sure they have all they need. Read more >

New pedestrian and cycle route opens

Guildford's newest pedestrian and cycle path opened this week as part of an initiative to make it easier and safer to travel in this area of the borough. Landscaping and further enhancements will follow in the Spring. Read more >

Guildford Schools Parking Watch helps improve safety

Parking issues around schools in Guildford are improving thanks to partnership working between our Parking Enforcement Team and 30 schools in the local area. Read more >

Fake council tax refund emails warning

If you receive an email from 'Andrew Walsh' stating we owe you a council tax refund, please be aware it is a phishing scam and do not click on any links in the email.

If you have a received a communication claiming to be from the Council and are unsure whether it is genuine please contact customer services at customerservices@guildford.gov.uk.

Local Plan - public hearing on 12 to 13 February 2019 to focus on housing

The government's Planning Inspector will hold another public hearing, at the Council's offices in Guildford, as part of his independent examination of our submitted Local Plan. Read more >

Local Plan - thousands of public comments and impact of latest consultation

We received over 5,500 comments in the recent consultation on the main modifications to our new Local Plan. Read more >

Local Plan - latest household figures could mean fewer homes with no extra greenbelt sites

Latest household projection figures could have major implications for our emerging Local Plan and potentially reduce the number of homes needed in the borough each year. Read more >

Updated Local Plan - consultation on main changes starts 11 September

Help shape the borough's future by commenting on the main modifications to our updated Local Plan in the next consultation, as agreed by the Executive at its meeting last night (4 September). Read more >

Local Plan - next step in shaping our borough's future

We are reaching another milestone in providing much-needed homes, jobs, leisure and other opportunities across our borough, as the Executive consider the main modifications consultation at a special Local Plan meeting on Tuesday 4 September. Read more >

Local Plan hearings finish - more opportunities to shape our borough's future

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: "Across our whole borough, people need places to live and thrive, with a great environment, transport and other vital infrastructure to support them. The government's Planning Inspector has now finished the public hearings, which form part of his independent examination of our new Local Plan. Our plan aims to provide a framework for the future, whilst balancing critical and changing needs, and we have responded to a series of questions on a variety of topics throughout the process. Read more >

Local Plan public hearings start for independent inspection

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: "We are very proud of the Local Plan we submitted to the inspectorate and look forward to it being tested through the examination process and the public hearings that start today (5 June). Read more >

Local Plan progresses with more answers for independent inspector

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: "Our new Local Plan is the best way to provide the homes, jobs, education, transport and other essential infrastructure to balance community needs across our borough. Progress continues and we have now responded to the second set of initial questions and the matters and issues questions received from the Planning Inspector. Our answers give the opportunity to clarify the reasoning behind our plan and explain the positive steps taken to deliver the plan." Read more >

Local Plan next step - guidance, matters and issues for examination and hearings

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: "Our new Local Plan is progressing through independent examination and aims to help communities thrive and balance needs, wherever people live or work in the borough. The Planning Inspector manages the whole process and decides if he wants to ask the Council, or anyone else, for clarification or to raise concerns as part of testing the soundness of our plan. Read more >

Local Plan progresses with answers for independent inspector

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: "Our new Local Plan is the best way to provide the homes, jobs, education, transport and other essential infrastructure to balance community needs across our borough. We have now responded to the set of initial questions received from the Planning Inspector, which is part of the usual process of developing a new plan and included topics such as housing numbers, meeting needs and the timing of delivery. Read more >

Local Plan initial questions received from independent inspector

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: "Our Local Plan is about balancing community needs and enabling people to thrive, wherever they live or work in the borough. Receiving the set of initial questions from the Planning Inspector is another step forward and part of the usual process when developing a new plan." Read more >