Several members of the Parish Council and Ruth Brothwell (one of our GBC councillors) met representatives of Martin Grant Homes (MGH) to have a briefing on the development of Gosden Hill on 12th July. Below is a summary of the meeting and here is a link to the Gosden Hill website.- https://gosdenhill.co.uk/
- MGH’s intention is to apply for outline planning permission in early 2024.
- Location – about two thirds of the land is in West Clandon parish, even though there is no road access from our village. Construction of up to 1800 homes and facilities would be phased over 12 to
15 years. Any trees subject to TPO’s (tree protection orders) would be kept and incorporated in the design and a SANG (suitable alternative natural green space) would be provided consisting primarily of Frithys Wood and Cotts Wood. Some of this is ancient woodland but some is plantation which MGH says would be logged over time. - Local provisions are expected to include a park and ride, school, medical and community facilities, cycle paths throughout the site and bus services. The railway station which is included in the Local Plan is regarded as problematic because of the likely cost.
- Power lines – MGH says that there is no requirement to put the existing high-tension lines underground (these are the same lines as Garlick’s Arch where there does seem to be a requirement) but will use the areas underneath for facilities such as the park and ride.
- Construction access for the site would be from New Inn Lane at the junction with Merrow Lane but MGH says that some realignment of this junction would be required.
- Traffic Access – MGH believes that National Highways will give permission for south-bound on and off slip roads from the A3 into the development because it says that is what is in the Local Plan. It seems that this is as yet undecided. Access to the site for traffic from the south would be via the A3 off-slip in Guildford, then along Ladymead and London Road. Vehicles could also be tempted to use the slip road from the A3 to the A247, then through West Clandon, A246, Park Lane and under the railway. The plan for north-bound traffic from the site involves going towards Burpham, crossing the A3 and using the north-bound slip road. The present Burpham slip road off the A3 would be closed.
The Parish Council representatives stated that our concerns were primarily about the potential for increased traffic on the A247 through the village.
We would also be keen to see walking and cycle access from West Clandon (but not road access) to allow our residents to access the site facilities.
