Guildford North Street redevelopment approved

Plans to redevelop North Street in Guildford have been approved by the borough council

The latest plans for the redevelopment of North Street in Guildford, Surrey, have been approved by the borough council's planning committee.

It would see the creation of new public spaces and shops, 470 homes and a new bus station.

The development has been welcomed by an organisation which represents businesses in the town.

But the scheme has been criticised for its size and potential impact on the neighbouring High Street.

This is the latest in a series of plans to revamp the area, with the most recent being rejected in January.

The new scheme would mean part of the site being demolished and replaced by buildings, some up to 11 storeys tall.

Of the 470 new homes, 47 will be classed as affordable.

Councillors voted the plan through by 13 votes to two.

The scheme would involve new shops, flats and public spaces

Amanda Masters from Experience Guildford, which promotes the town as a destination, said: "We are thrilled.

"It's about revitalising the economy of that small area of the town centre.

"That's what the businesses have been waiting for, for so, so long. It has to be right but it can only be an improvement."

The plans would mean a new bus station for the town

Local resident Roger Kendall was not optimistic the new retail outlets would succeed, citing that there would be "25,000 square feet of commercial floor space without parking."

He added: "Guildford has enough empty shops and struggling cafes.

"They will stay boarded up and empty for decades."

But Tom Hunt, Guildford Borough Council's deputy leader, said the town's historical centre would be safe.

He said: "If you stand in the High Street you won't be able to see the North Street development.

"What makes Guildford special will still make Guildford special."

He said the next stage was for the council and the developer St Edward to spend the next few months negotiating contracts, but he was "confident" the plan would go ahead.