Martin Grant Homes has submitted plans for a substantial housing development that would introduce 1,800 new homes, two schools, shops, offices, and a 250-space park and ride site at Gosden Hill, located near Guildford. The proposed project aims to enhance the area with significant green spaces, including accessible woodland at Cotts Wood, new playing fields, multi-functional green spaces, and village squares.
The proposed development plan has provoked a strong and deeply felt opposition from local citizens. First and foremost, surrounding constituents are understandably concerned about the negative effects that come with added traffic. London Road, especially, is highly impacted by congestion in the peak periods. Dozens of local residents have filed formal protests in opposition to the plan. They are especially concerned about increased traffic on roads, strains on health services, and loss of green belt land.
Residents say the current infrastructure is unable to handle the new wave of incoming residents. A local physician warned that massive increases would overwhelm the health infrastructure. As he described the new homes, GP and pharmacy to population ratio was firmly below par for the thousands of new residents coming in.
As one nearby resident noted, the proposed development would be “effectively a very giant cul-de-sac.” They pointed out that the plan does not do enough to meet the needs of the community that’s already there.
Concerns extend beyond just infrastructure. Another local resident stated, “The emotional toll of losing green space, peace and the familiarity of our surroundings cannot be overstated.” This oppositional sentiment is part of a much deeper reaction that involves all residents’ fears about losing their community’s character and natural beauty.
In response to their objections, Martin Grant Homes has developed an innovative plan. Their plan would incorporate massive public green spaces that bring a buffer from the intensity of the new development. Today, these spaces serve as vital hubs of recreation and ecological preservation, acting as the state’s lungs and preserving biodiversity within the rapidly metropolitan area. Many residents are not convinced these actions will be enough to address all of the impacts they predict will come.
Public opinion appears to be sharply split as conversations go on about this daunting and ambitious affordable housing venture. The impacts on infrastructure and their communities are exceedingly grave. Yet they are sure to influence next years’ conversations about the plans.
