FAQs

The outline proposals for the site aim to create an integrated extension of Tongham, celebrating the existing local character. The emerging application proposes around 400 new homes on the northern parts of the site, including 40% affordable housing, and 16 hectares (equivalent to approximately 25 football pitches) of open green space on the southern part of the site.

This planning application is being submitted in outline, which means that the principle of development (including access) is being considered at this stage. Detailed matters including the mix of new homes, layout, design and landscaping will be decided later through a reserved matters planning application.

A range of new homes is proposed to best meet local needs including affordable homes, family homes with gardens and smaller homes. If outline planning is granted, the exact mix of new homes will be determined at the detailed planning stage.

The emerging application proposes around 400 homes, of which 40% (approximately 160) would be affordable

Taylor Wimpey is working closely with Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council to understand how local roads will manage with the new homes. We’ll identify any potential issues and make sure solutions are in place to keep traffic moving safely. This will be informed by traffic data from local roads to carefully assess current conditions.

A detailed Transport Assessment is prepared to accompany the submission of the planning application. This will draw on data from a wide range of sources to understand current conditions on the road network, predict future traffic flows and identify any improvements needed. This information typically includes:

• Walking and cycling route mapping which identifies existing routes, crossings and opportunities for improved connectivity.
• Traffic surveys which count vehicle movements at key junctions and along main roads, usually collected during peak travel times and during school term times.
• Journey time and speed data using information collected by processes including local authority monitoring.
• Accident and road safety records from data collected by the local highways authority or Department for Transport.
• Committed development data which takes account of other approved or planned developments nearby.
• Public transport information including bus routes, frequencies and walking distances to stops or stations.

Access into the site will be provided by two new entrances – one from The Street and one from Poyle Road. These will be connected by a road running through the development.

In addition, there will be a new dedicated pedestrian/cycle/emergency access to Poyle Road provided next to St Paul’s Church and the existing public rights of way will be retained.

The current drainage situation can be significantly improved by creating a surface water management system within the site. This will use a network of sustainable drainage features (SuDS) to manage rainwater on-site and control how it flows into existing ditches or watercourses.

The network will include shallow, landscaped rain gardens and larger landscaped ponds, designed to handle extreme storms (1 in 100 year and climate change storm events).

The site is located wholly within Flood Zone 1 which is the area at lowest risk of river and sea flooding and is not impacted significantly by surface water flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

The development will contribute toward local infrastructure needs such as education, healthcare and open space improvements.

Taylor Wimpey is in discussions with the Frimley ICB (Integrated Care Board) to establish how the development can contribute toward addressing local healthcare needs. This may be achieved through the provision of an on-site facility, space for a community consultation room or off-site financial contributions to upgrade existing facilities.

Elsewhere, the development will provide contributions toward increasing local sports and recreational facilities in the village and a possible new car park for the Tongham Scout Hut.

Should the planning application be approved, additional funding will be secured through a Section 106 agreement – a legal agreement between a developer and the local council that secures financial contributions or obligations to support local infrastructure and services, such as schools, healthcare, transport improvements, or affordable housing.

The council can spend it only on projects or facilities directly related to the development to mitigate its impacts and benefit the local community.

The application is proposing a partial relocation of the existing Hop Garden to ensure the Tongham Hop Garden is retained.  Taylor Wimpey are keen to help support the future and vitality of the Hogs Back Brewery both as a key local facility and local employer. The landscaped open spaces on the southern parts of the site will abut the new hop garden, maintaining an appropriate landscape setting and helping to create a pleasant setting for both customers and local residents

An increase in new residents will also boost local businesses and retail, increasing the demand and local spend. There will also be additional spending impacts in the area as construction contractors and workers purchase goods and services from local providers. This in turn will support indirect jobs in the supply chain and induced jobs within these local shops and services.

New jobs will also be created throughout the construction phase of the development including a wide range of both direct, and indirect roles.

Taylor Wimpey is required to provide a Biodiversity Net Gain in excess of 20%. Biodiversity net gain will be achieved within the site through the creation of new habitats of value to local biodiversity. This approach includes:

• New wildlife-friendly green spaces will provide important habitats and help expand the network of species-rich grassland within Surrey.
• Retaining and improving existing habitats, like ponds and hedgerows, where required to strengthen their condition and local biodiversity.
• New shrub and tree planting within the development itself, which will include native species. The new surface water drainage features will also provide opportunities for landscaping and the creation of habitats.

Additional benefits for local wildlife will include bird and bat boxes, hedgehog highways, and planting fruit- and berry-bearing species.

An ecological and habitat assessment will accompany the submission of the outline planning application to understand existing habitats, species and biodiversity value of the site. Protected species surveys will be undertaken for bats, great crested newts, badgers, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

The Hogs Back Brewery Hop garden will be retained as part of the proposals. The northern half of the existing hop garden will need to be relocated to enable the creation of a new point of access from The Street. This area will be re-provided as a new extension to the south of the existing hop garden.

New roads throughout the development will contain landscaped rain gardens. These will collect and manage rainwater runoff from roads and pavements. They absorb and filter water naturally which reduces the risk of flooding and improve water quality by trapping pollutants. From a landscaping perspective, the rain gardens will improve local street scenes and support wildlife such as bees and insects.