Aldro School, Guildford

The site was in a very sensitive location within the Green Belt, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an Area of Great Landscape Value as well as within a conservation area and close to a listed building. Previous proposals had been refused and the School were wondering what to do next.

SP&D worked with the architect to amend the scheme to address the previous reasons for refusal by re-orientating the buildings and amending the design to better respond to its surroundings. We also highlighted the wider benefits of the scheme in terms of replacing the existing, poor quality buildings and creating a better transition between the village and the countryside beyond. We also engaged with the local community and parish council to gain their support for the proposals, resulting in gaining approval under delegated powers without the need to go to planning committee.