Normandy Housing Developments
A proposed development on land near Glaziers Lane is under consultation. This follows national planning reforms and changes to Guildford’s housing targets. Local groups continue to monitor the situation and encourage public engagement.
1. What's happening?
Taylor Wimpey has recently begun a public consultation on a potential residential development on land between Glaziers Lane, Westwood Lane, the railway line to the south, and Guildford Road to the north. This location includes the area previously referred to as Site A46, which was considered during the 2016 Guildford Local Plan process but was not included in the adopted plan.
A planning application has not yet been submitted. The consultation forms part of the developer’s early engagement with the local community.
2. Context and Policy Background
This activity is taking place alongside recent changes to national planning policy. In December 2024, the Government published a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), followed by amendments in February 2025. Key updates include higher housing targets for local authorities and the introduction of a "Grey Belt" designation, which allows for development on some land previously designated as Green Belt. Following these changes, Guildford Borough Council’s annual housing target increased from 562 to 1,102 homes. Approximately 82 percent of the borough is designated as Green Belt.
On 27 February 2025, the Government published updated Green Belt Guidance. This guidance no longer treats the physical separation of villages, such as Normandy and Flexford, as a reason in itself to restrict development. It places increased emphasis on development in "sustainable locations," typically defined as areas with access to public transport such as railway stations.
3. Changes to Local Government
At the same time, the Government is considering changes to the structure of local government in Surrey. One proposal would replace the current two-tier system of 11 district councils and one county council with two or three unitary authorities. On 19 March 2025, Guildford Borough Council voted to support a potential merger with Woking and Waverley. Proposals for new strategic mayoral authorities are also under consideration. These reforms may affect how planning responsibilities are organised in the future.
Guildford Borough Council has also started work to review its Local Plan, which was adopted in 2019. A revised timetable has been set out in the Local Development Scheme, with public consultation expected before formal adoption in 2029. This process is running in parallel with the proposed changes to local governance.
4. Your Voice in the Planning Process
In the meantime, residents have reported new surveying activity in the area previously identified as Site A46. Although this land is not allocated for development in the current Local Plan, developers may submit planning applications under the revised national policy framework and updated guidance.
Normandy Parish Council, the Normandy Action Group and Dr Al Pinkerton MP continue to monitor developments and aim to ensure that local views are represented through the appropriate planning processes.