A public meeting regarding the proposed Tongham Manor Farm housing development has now taken place, attracting an attendance of more than 250 local residents. The meeting was chaired by Les Oakley, Tongham Parish Council Chair, who provided an opportunity for residents to hear detailed information and voice concerns about the planning application.
Key Points from the Meeting
Cllr Ed Hall delivered a presentation outlining the reasons why the proposed development is considered unsuitable for Tongham. His presentation highlighted several local issues, including the existing traffic problems, pressures on local infrastructure and services, and the lack of significant improvements following recent large-scale developments in the area.
Tongham Parish Council confirmed during the meeting that the presentation slide deck will be published on its website. One slide in particular, showing population growth in the local area, drew a notable reaction from attendees. That slide has since been transcribed and is summarised below.
Why Further Housing Expansion in Tongham Is Undesirable
- Housing in Tongham has increased by 46% (405 properties) over the past 25 years.
- Housing in Ash, north and west of the railway line and south of the A323, has increased by 58% (1,038 properties) during the same period.
- A further 194 properties are under construction or awaiting planning approval in the same area, with over 1,000 additional homes proposed in neighbouring Wyke.
- The new Tongham development would represent a further 48% increase, equating to almost a doubling of Tongham’s size since the year 2000.(Source: Electoral Register data)
Throughout the session, a substantial number of residents were given the opportunity to raise questions and express their concerns. Common themes included the capacity of health and education services, the strain on water and waste systems, and the cumulative impact of continuous development within Tongham.
Sir Jeremy Hunt MP attended the meeting, alongside Cllr Matt Furniss and Cllr Sallie Barker MBE from both County and Borough councils. Their attendance was intended not only to answer questions from the public but also to show their support for the objections being raised against the proposed development.
Call for Residents to Comment Before 13 February 2026
Residents are now strongly encouraged to submit comments on the planning application before the deadline of 13 February 2026. The views submitted will form an important part of the planning process.
To view the application and submit your comments before 13 February 2026, visit the Guildford Borough Council Planning Portal and search for application number 25/P/01728.
More than 148 public comments have already been submitted. Every comment must be read and considered.
Background and Community Interest
The proposed development at Tongham Manor Farm has generated significant local discussion, particularly around issues such as infrastructure, traffic impact, environmental considerations and the village’s overall capacity for further expansion.
The topic of housebuilding was also discussed on BBC Radio Surrey with James Cannon, where Cllr John Tonks (Ash Parish Council). The Program highlighted the high level of public interest, not only from Tongham residents, but also from those living in the surrounding areas who may be affected by the proposed development.
You can listen to the segment here:
Three times I have tried to comment and each time they say there is something wrong with my email address. What is wrong with the site if we cannot give our reaction to this
You can send commens in wirting via by post: Send written comments to: Planning Services, Guildford Borough Council, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, GU2 4BB.
However if you are having issues registering an account to make public comments (link here:
https://publicaccess.guildford.gov.uk/online-applications/registrationWizard.do?action=start).
You can contact GBC General Planning Enquiries: 01483 505050 or planningenquiries@guildford.gov.uk