James Moules

Plans submitted to Tandridge District Council propose a four-storey block containing nine one- to three-bedroom flats on a vacant former car park behind Station Road East in Oxted. The development would include 12 car parking spaces, cycle storage, private amenity space and bin storage, and is positioned near Oxted railway station and local amenities. Public comments are due by September 5.

Guildford Liberal Democrat MP Zöe Franklin says heightened threats and personal abuse directed at elected officials have led her to carry a security fob, tighten arrangements for constituency surgeries and stop using X. During Parliament's summer recess, she continues visiting residents and local organizations, including The Aggie community hub, ReSkilled and Cycling UK. Franklin says she welcomes robust political challenge but wants to balance safety with maintaining a visible presence in Guildford. She also highlights the Liberal Democrats' significant gains across Surrey, where the party now controls several parliamentary constituencies and both new unitary councils.

Residents of Bletchingley say they experienced frequent low water pressure and hours of murky or brown water for roughly 18 months while repairs to the nearby Godstone sinkhole were carried out. They criticized SES Water for inadequate communication and limited emergency water provision, with one resident describing difficulties caring for a child with an immune deficiency. A survey by East Surrey MP Claire Coutinho found that 80% of respondents had experienced repeated low pressure and that few vulnerable households received water when supplies failed. Coutinho is urging SES Water to honor a commitment to consider goodwill payments now that the Godstone works are complete. SES Water said the disruption resulted from a temporary supply arrangement, that eligible customers had received compensation, and that Bletchingley had returned to its usual water-supply route.

Plans submitted to add an extra floor to Imtech House on Woodthorpe Road in Ashford would create six flats—four one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units—on top of the existing 50-apartment building. The proposal follows council advice rejecting an earlier plan for two additional floors, and includes matching exterior materials and 20 extra cycle spaces but no new car parking. Public consultation runs until August 19, with three objections recorded, and Spelthorne Borough Council is due to decide the application by September 17.

Surrey's proposed Foundation Strategic Authority could be established from April 2027, subject to consultation and ministerial approval, as part of the reorganisation that will abolish Surrey County Council and the county's 11 district councils. The authority would enable the new East Surrey and West Surrey councils to cooperate on transport, economic development and other strategic issues, while potentially paving the way for a directly elected mayor for Surrey. East Surrey shadow leader Steve Wotton welcomed what he described as the government's strong commitment to devolution under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Conservative councillors supported the proposal, while Green councillors backed it in principle but questioned why mayoral devolution had not been accelerated. The Foundation Strategic Authority would be a necessary first step toward a mayoral authority but would not guarantee that Surrey receives a mayor.

Surrey NHS trusts are spending tens of thousands of pounds on artificial intelligence tools for diagnosis, colonoscopy support, patient referrals and administrative work. Royal Surrey is paying £21,120 annually for Annalise AI to assist with chest X-ray analysis and has spent £93,432.96 on two OlySense systems, while Surrey and Borders Partnership spends an estimated £65,000 a year on Limbic AI. Microsoft Copilot is being used across all responding trusts for tasks including meeting summaries and document preparation. Trusts say the systems undergo robust evaluation, governance and oversight and are intended to support rather than replace clinicians. University of Bath researcher Dr Deblina Bhattacharjee said AI could reduce administrative burdens and aid diagnosis, but warned that deployment must not outpace governance and that human accountability must remain clear.

Box Hill & Westhumble station, previously voted Surrey’s prettiest railway station, has experienced significant litter accumulation since Southern Rail removed its platform bins. The operator says the change was required to comply with Simpler Recycling regulations because the unstaffed station lacks secure space for large wheelie bins. Southern is asking passengers to use onboard bins or take rubbish home and has increased cleaning staff, but local residents and MP Chris Coghlan argue that these measures are insufficient for a station receiving many weekend visitors. Southern says it is reviewing the policy and listening to community feedback.

A developer has submitted plans to build 78 homes on equestrian land in Smallfield, arguing the site should be considered “grey belt” under updated planning rules aimed at boosting national housebuilding. The proposal includes half affordable housing and a range of house types, with access from Redehall Road. Planning documents claim the project meets local needs and qualifies for approval even under green belt restrictions due to significant housing shortages and an outdated local plan. Tandridge District Council validated the application on July 3 and is expected to decide by October 2.

Councillors will consider a proposal to build a 25‑space car park beside the William IV pub in Little London, Albury, with planning officers recommending approval despite its green belt location. The plan drew nearly 150 public comments, split between concerns about loss of rural openness and support for easing parking pressure and aiding walkers, cyclists and the local pub. The application is scheduled for discussion at Guildford Borough Council’s July 22 planning meeting.

Guildford Borough Council approved plans to replace Ockham Cricket Club’s deteriorating clubhouse with a new community building, additional parking and four padel courts. Planning documents cited outdated facilities that no longer meet ECB guidelines, while residents largely supported the proposal for its community benefits. Officers determined that the project’s advantages outweigh green-belt impacts, securing the club’s long‑term viability and enhancing local sports and community amenities.

Residents in Addlestone are urging Surrey County Council to introduce a school streets scheme on School Lane due to growing congestion and road safety concerns. A petition with more than 100 signatures cites dangerous driving, blocked pavements and reduced visibility, prompting calls for traffic restrictions during school pick‑up and drop‑off times. Councillor Matt Furniss said the council recognises the concerns and is considering highway improvements alongside measures schools could take. Meetings have been held with local schools and MP Ben Spencer, and residents are seeking a full traffic assessment and stronger parking enforcement. The petition remains open until October 2026.

Plans have been submitted to convert the upper floors of the WH Smith and Post Office building in Staines-upon-Thames High Street into nine studio flats. The proposal seeks prior approval to change the space from commercial to residential use, highlighting the site's accessibility by public transport and the intention for the development to remain car-free, supported by cycle storage and restrictions on parking permits. No external alterations are included, and the commercial ground-floor frontage would remain intact while minor ancillary facilities would be added at the rear without affecting the conservation area's character.

Surrey County Council is using Hikvision CCTV cameras in several local libraries despite the UK government barring the Chinese-made devices from sensitive sites over national security concerns. The council says the systems are closed and secure, minimising cyber risk, while critics argue that Hikvision’s alleged links to human rights abuses in Xinjiang and its ban from Whitehall make their continued use unacceptable. Hikvision denies involvement in abuses and says its products comply with UK regulations, as international bodies have documented systemic violations against Uyghurs in China.

Guildford MP Zoe Franklin renewed her call for a third railway station, Guildford West, arguing that expanding transport infrastructure must accompany growing housing developments in the western part of the town. The proposed station, planned since the 1990s, would improve access to Royal Surrey County Hospital and the University of Surrey via the North Downs Line. Although Surrey County Council has invested funds over the years, national funding is still required. Franklin emphasised the station’s potential to reduce traffic emissions and widen the local labour market amid high housing costs.

Guildford Cathedral will install 16 new security cameras funded by the Home Office’s Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme after receiving planning approval from Guildford Borough Council. The measures respond to heightened national security concerns and new legislation, known as Martyn’s Law, requiring improved protection against potential terror attacks. Planning documents emphasise the cameras’ deterrent value and minimal visual impact, while cathedral representatives welcome the investment as part of efforts to maintain a safe environment. The decision follows the UK terrorism threat level rising to severe after a recent attack in North London.