Residents of Ash, Ash Vale and Ash Green will soon have the opportunity to vote in the Ash Neighbourhood Plan Referendum, a community-led initiative that could play an important role in shaping future development across the parish up to 2045.
Developed by Ash Parish Council following consultation with residents, businesses and local organisations, the Ash Neighbourhood Plan sets out a vision for how the area should grow and evolve while protecting the features that make our communities special.
If approved by more than 50% of voters and subsequently adopted by Guildford Borough Council, the Plan will become part of the statutory development plan and will be used when planning decisions are made locally.
What Does the Plan Aim to Achieve?
Protecting Green Spaces
The Plan proposes the designation of 33 Local Green Spaces across Ash, Ash Vale and Ash Green. These are areas considered important to the community because of their beauty, recreational value, wildlife interest or historical significance. The designation would provide additional long-term planning protection for these valued spaces.
Protecting Community Assets
The Plan identifies a range of important community facilities and amenities for protection, including schools, community venues, public houses, sports facilities and other much-valued local assets that contribute to community life.
Supporting Local Shopping Areas
The Plan recognises key district and local centres where residents shop, work and socialise, including areas around Ash Vale Station and Wharf Road. It also identifies Ash Street as a local centre, helping to support and protect local shopping facilities.
Maintaining Local Character
One of the Plan’s aims is to ensure future development respects the unique identity of Ash, Ash Vale and Ash Green. It establishes settlement boundaries and introduces detailed Design Codes to guide future development.
The Plan also proposes a Local Gap to help maintain the distinct identity of Ash Green and prevent the merging of neighbouring settlements.
Supporting Local Employment
Alongside the established employment area at Lysons Avenue, the Plan designates land around Ash Station as a Locally Important Employment Location, helping to support local businesses and jobs.
Encouraging Walking and Cycling
The Plan promotes improved and safer walking and cycling routes throughout the parish, supporting active travel and helping residents access local facilities without relying entirely on cars.
Promoting Sustainable Development
Policies within the Plan encourage energy-efficient development, protection of existing trees, replacement planting where appropriate and a focus on sustainable design principles.
Why Does the Referendum Matter?
A successful referendum would mean these locally-created policies become part of the planning framework used when future development proposals are considered.
Without an adopted neighbourhood plan, planning decisions would continue to rely primarily on national planning policy and Guildford Borough Council planning policies. Adoption would give additional weight to policies specifically written for Ash and its surrounding communities.
Have Your Say
The referendum gives local residents a direct opportunity to influence how the parish develops over the coming decades.
Key Date
Thursday 29 October 2026
Ash Neighbourhood Plan Referendum
Whether you support the Plan, oppose it, or are still deciding, taking part ensures that the result reflects the views of the wider community.
Before voting, residents are encouraged to read the Plan and supporting documents to understand the proposals and their potential impact on the future of Ash, Ash Vale and Ash Green.
Further information and plan documents are available from Ash Parish Council’s website.