New Communities

Former Wisley Airfield

Project Details

Client
Taylor Wimpey
Location
Guildford, Surrey
Year
Services
Masterplanning

Overview

Define acted on behalf of Taylor Wimpey to audit the masterplan for the creation of this new community of 1730 homes, which benefitted from a planning allocation but was not being progressed by Guildford Borough Council and had been appealed on non-determination grounds.

Our methodology

Define used their masterplan audit methodology for large scale new communities, which was based on a combination of the National Design Guide’s ten characteristics of a successful place, the nine Garden City Principles and the three sections of Building for a Healthy Life.

This methodology identified over 70 key questions, structured into the topics of: Integrated Neighbourhoods, Distinctive Places, Streets for All, Environment, Resources, Stewardship and Design Co-ordination.

The process involved extensive discussion with the Masterplanners (Gardner Stewart Architects – GSA), Landscape Consultants (Davies Landscape Architects) and Engineers (WSP) and concluded that the masterplan was positively prepared and robust.

The outcome

Andy Williams went on to give expert evidence at the public inquiry of late 2023, leading to a grant of planning permission in May 2024. The Inspector agreed that the proposal would not diminish the beauty or enjoyment of the Surrey Hills National Landscape and had followed a carefully considered design process that led to a policy and guidance compliant scheme with appropriate onward design control mechanisms.

The appeal decision can be found here: https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?caseid=3320175

Masterplan images credits: GSA