Normandy Housing Developments: November Update - Normandy Parish Council Consultation

Thank you to all the residents who have contacted me regarding Taylor Wimpey PLC’s proposed housing development in Normandy. I would like to outline some context and information about my involvement in these proposals and steps forward during this process. 

Complete Normandy Parish Council's Public Consultation Survey: click here 

Background

Taylor Wimpey PLC has reintroduced plans to build housing on land in Normandy, a proposal previously discussed as part of Guildford’s 2016 Local Plan. The site comprises several fields, coppices and woodlands between Westwood Lane and Glaziers Lane, bounded by the railway to the south and Guildford Road properties to the north.

The developer distributed a leaflet to households in Normandy Parish to announce its first public consultation event on 18 July 2025, which was attended by residents, Guildford Borough Councillors, Normandy Parish Council, and representatives from my office, among other stakeholders. Residents raised legitimate concerns about the impact of a proposed development on the local community. Together with local stakeholders, I have raised issues around flooding risks, infrastructure gaps, traffic, road access upgrades, and the need for improved community facilities such as GP services. 

On Tuesday 4 November 2025, Taylor Wimpey held its second public consultation to present more detailed plans, including proposals for infrastructure provision. I will continue to make firm representations to ensure that the concerns of Normandy residents are fully reflected in the decision-making process.

What is the MP’s role in the planning process?

As a Member of Parliament, I do not hold a formal role in determining planning applications, which are the responsibility of planning officers, local councillors, inspectors, and ministers. However, I take seriously my duty to represent the views of residents and ensure their concerns are heard by the appropriate authorities. I have been in direct contact with Taylor Wimpey, Normandy Parish Council, the Normandy Action Group, councillors at Guildford Borough Council, Thames Water and the Normandy Flood Forum.

Community Feedback

On 18 July 2025, representatives from my office attended Taylor Wimpey’s first public consultation to hear directly from residents. Hundreds attended, and further comments were submitted to me in the days that followed. These concerns were presented to the developers in early August 2025.

Key issues raised by residents include:

• Scale and suitability – There is a preference for a reduced scheme of 250 to 500 homes. The current proposal could double the village population, place additional strain on public services, and put Normandy’s rural character at risk.
• Green Belt and environment – The site includes ancient woodland, meadows, and open countryside. Residents strongly oppose “Grey Belt” reclassification and support retaining full Green Belt protections.
• Infrastructure gaps – Roads, drainage, sewage, and water systems are already under strain, with flooding a recurring problem that I raise frequently as chair of the Normandy Flood Forum. GP surgeries are also at capacity with no confirmed expansion.
• Traffic and access – Congestion on the A31, Westwood Lane, and Glaziers Lane would worsen. Narrow bridges, poor pavements, and speeding create serious safety concerns.
• Community facilities – Many residents prefer investment in existing hubs and schools rather than new on-site facilities. There is also scepticism about the viability of additional retail space given nearby supermarkets.

Central Government Legislation: NPPF and Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Residents have also expressed concern about the Government’s Grey Belt policy, introduced in December 2024 through changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This allows certain Green Belt land to be reclassified for development if it is already built on or deemed to contribute little to preventing urban sprawl, keeping towns apart, or protecting historic settings. Since February 2025, councils have been required to assess smaller parcels of land, leaving villages like Normandy more exposed. Crucially, the policy offers no specific protection for villages, raising fears of increased large-scale rural development across Surrey Heath constituency.

At every stage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, my Liberal Democrat colleagues and I have voted against it. However, with Labour’s overwhelming majority, measures that weaken Green Belt protections and create new development pressures have been forced through. We will continue to oppose this Bill when it returns from the House of Lords.

I have also raised concerns about the Bill directly in Parliament. During the Third Reading debate on 9 June 2025, I stated:

“My constituency of Surrey Heath is made up of small villages divided by green-belt land and Ministry of Defence property. Without the protections afforded by new clause 115, I fear that the distinctiveness and sense of place of those villages will be gradually lost. Can he comment on how new clause 115 would protect the distinctiveness of place?”

Unfortunately, New Clause 115, which would have provided stronger safeguards for communities like Normandy, was rejected by the Government.

Going Forward: Normandy Parish Council Consultation and Letter to Secretary of State

Please complete Normandy Parish Council's Public Consultation Survey: click here

I know how strongly residents feel about this proposed development, and I remain committed to ensuring your concerns are at the heart of the decision-making process. I will continue to raise these matters with developers, local authorities, ministers, and regulators, and will provide updates through my regular newsletter: https://www.alpinkerton.uk/newsletter

I am writing to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to seek greater clarity on the recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, particularly regarding the lack of safeguards for my constituency’s network of villages and the urgent need for accompanying investment in local infrastructure.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions: al.pinkerton.mp@parliament.uk