Local councillors George Potter and Jane Tyson write their regular update for Burpham residents:

Drop-in Sessions

We continue to run our drop-in sessions for local residents on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 11.30am. They take place at the Burpham Community Cafe at Sutherland Memorial Hall. Whether you want to raise a local issue or just pop by for a warm drink and a chat, we’d love to see you. If you can’t make it in person, you can also contact us directly via our GBC email addresses: jane.tyson@guildford.gov.uk and george.potter@guildford.gov.uk

Gosden Hill planning update

The planning application for around 1,800 homes at Gosden Hill Farm on the edge of Merrow Lane remains under review by planning officers and is unlikely to reach the planning committee before Christmas.

So far bodies such as the Woodland Trust, County Highways and National Highways have indicated that they cannot support the application without significant further information being required. This means that a clear route to approval is currently uncertain. As your local councillors we’re continuing to work with the community to make sure that concerns around transport and environmental impact are heard.

Speeding on Burpham Lane

This year we were very pleased to see the implementation of the new 20 mph zone on Burpham Lane, which has been a key outcome of our campaign for improved road safety in Burpham. However, from speaking to residents we are aware that many vehicles are still ignoring the new speed limit and posing a risk to pedestrians.

We are currently engaging with County Highways officers at Surrey County Council to explore further traffic calming measures to make the lane safer for everyone.

Road repairs around Glendale Estate

The state of the concrete roads in Burpham has been a longstanding issue of concern, especially in the area around Glendale Drive (the Glendale Estate), where they are buckling, cracking and shaking due to regular usage by heavy vehicles. We are very pleased that these roads are now finally due to be repaired under the county council’s highway
maintenance programme.

A few years back similar issues on the roads around Burnett Avenue were addressed by stripping off the tarmac, repairing the concrete slabs, and restoring the roads to a high grip concrete surface, which needs far less maintenance in the long-run. This is the work now intended for the roads around Glendale Drive, along with footway repairs.

The work is expected to be done in phases from now until April. Please allow extra journey time or seek alternative routes while the works are underway. Highways have written to affected households, and you can contact 0300 200 1003 or contact.centre@surreycc.gov.uk with any queries.

Nature Walk at Burpham Court Farm

Work to create a new riverside nature reserve around Burpham Court Farm on Clay Lane is progressing well. Paths have already been laid in some parts of the site, landscaping is underway, and preparations have started near Clay Lane for improved access, a car park, and a new pedestrian crossing. The project is on track to open to the public in early 2026, providing a fantastic new green space for local residents and an important habitat for wildlife.

Local Government Changes

By the time this goes to print we expect the government to have announced its decision on the future of local government in Surrey, and what it means for Guildford Borough Council. The borough has already submitted a joint response, with other councils, favouring a proposal for three new unitary councils within Surrey.

Separately, Guildford Borough Council will make a decision later this year on the outcome of a consultation on establishing a new parish/town council for Guildford itself in order to preserve a local voice for Guildford once the borough is abolished. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more.

Town Centre News

The York Road Car Park has now been re-designated as a long-stay car park, with a day-time charge of £1.20 per hour and a flat £2 for the whole evening after 6pm.

The borough council has also been working with local artists to brighten up previously unloved areas of the town centre. A new mural has recently been applied to the New Orleans Building.

The Electric Theatre Guildford is back in the hands of the borough council from its previous operators. The council leader has opened roundtable talks with the theatre community in Guildford to establish a long-term vision for the building as a community arts venue.

Festive Celebrations

Once again Guildford’s annual Christmas celebration is back in the High Street with a host of seasonal activities to bring joy and Christmas spirit on 16th November (from 11am to 4pm). Local choirs and a brass band will be playing favourite carols and other seasonal tunes. There will be a parade up the High Street with familiar characters and mascots. Stalls, mulled wine, the popular giant snow globe – it will all be there.

Burpham Community Hub

The Burpham Community Hub has been operating since April and is now well established as a local organisation managing community spaces, events and initiatives in Burpham. Based at Sutherland Memorial Hall, the Hub offers venue hire for social gatherings, clubs and private events, and is actively recruiting staff and volunteers to help strengthen community ties and support the local economy.

The much-loved Burpham Community Café also runs at the Hall every Saturday from 9am to 12pm, offering a warm welcome, delicious homemade cakes and a chance to catch up with neighbours. Keep an eye out for upcoming Hub events they’re a great way to get involved and connect with the community: www.burphamcommunityhub.org