Local businesses, landowners and countryside organisations joined councillors and officers at the first Guildford and Waverley Rural Forum, held on Monday 25 November.
The newly formed group aims to bring together local people and sector representatives to focus on rural issues in Guildford and Waverley. These issues include economic growth, housing and sustainable communities, farming and woodland management, infrastructure, and services.
Cllr Tom Hunt, Lead Councillor for Regeneration at Guildford Borough Council, said: “We’ve worked with our local rural community for several years through the Guildford Rural Forum. This new group gives us an exciting opportunity to expand and take a wider view across the two boroughs. By working closely together, sharing knowledge and expertise, we can maximise the opportunities available to our rural communities and support their future success.
“Our rural residents and businesses play an important part in helping us to build a more prosperous and sustainable borough.”
The focus of the first meeting was rural planning and gave people an opportunity to hear about current and future planning policy and strategy for Guildford and Waverley.
Cllr Liz Townsend, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development at Waverley Borough Council, said: “Our rural areas are home to a diverse range of businesses, from agriculture and tourism to manufacturing and vineyards. They make a significant contribution to Waverley, to our residents, and to the local economy.
“The new Forum will help us to actively engage more with our rural communities and support their growth as we work to build opportunities for all.”
Future meetings of the Guildford and Waverley Rural Forum will focus on tourism, employment space, and connectivity.
Bill Biddell, Chair of the Forum said: “The aim of the newly expanded Rural Forum is to be a conduit for Waverley and Guildford Borough Councils, and to provide helpful and useful information from professional land managers and thriving rural businesses about current concerns and opportunities.”
For more information on the Forum, email business.support@waverley.gov.uk