Plans for thousands of homes up for debate in 2026

More than 3,000 new homes could be built in Guildford over the next few years as developers target farmland, car parks and village edges.

Developments including 1,800 homes east of the A3 and 950 homes between Normandy and Flexford are among the proposals under consideration which could see major changes to the region in the coming years.

The plans have raised questions about green belt protection, congestion on the roads, and the future character of Surrey's county town.

Many of the plans are due to be decided in early 2026.

In Gosden Hill, plans for 1,800 homes on farmland between Burpham and the A3 would create a major new neighbourhood and become one of the biggest housing schemes in Guildford's modern history, if approved.

The 130 hectare (321 acre) scheme includes about 720 affordable homes, new primary and secondary schools, plus shops and healthcare facilities, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Developers Martin Grant Homes have said the site could become the "gateway for Guildford", but residents have expressed concerns over the loss of countryside and fears roads would be "inadequate" to deal with extra traffic.

A decision on the plans was expected In December, according to internal deadlines, but could be made later.

Meanwhile, another proposal could see 950 homes built between Normandy and Flexford, doubling the size of the parish over the course of a decade.

Describing the land as "part of the urban fringe", a term residents find "laughable", developer Taylor Wimpey hopes to create a whole new neighbourhood on land that spans from Normandy train station to across the settlement.

The plans are currently in the Environmental Impact Assessment scoping stage with a full application expected in due course.

Other developments due to be decided in the near future include 248 town-centre homes in Guildford Park Road, and a new permanent Traveller site on Alms Heath, in Ockham.

Plans for about 400 homes at Manor Farm, just south of Tongham, are also expected to be submitted in the new year.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.