Plans for new industrial buildings blocked

Developers said the £34m project would support up to 400 local jobs

Plans to build new industrial buildings in Guildford have been blocked by the council.

The proposal for eight new industrial and storage units at Dennis Way on the Slyfield Industrial Estate would have seen the old Alexander Dennis bus depot replaced with a modern, flexible business hub.

Developers said the £34m project would have supported up to 400 local jobs and delivered a "vital upgrade" to one of Guildford's main employment zones, said the Local Democrarcy Reporting Service (LDRS).

But, Guildford Borough councillors did not support the scheme, saying the bulk and height of the four buildings of up to 16.18m (53ft) would dominate the landscape.

Speaking against the scheme, local resident Ryan Batchelor said: "Sixteen metres is twice the height of almost everything else on Slyfield.

"You cannot call this 'in-keeping' when it's never been seen before."

Speaking for the applicant, Charles Everest said the scheme would not just act to replace existing buildings, but was a "modern, sustainable hub" designed to support local business growth.

Councillors said the buildings would tower over surrounding warehouses, most of which sit around 8-10m high, and that the development would have an "unacceptable" visual impact.