News from OPC November 2025
The main news this month obviously concerns the unauthorised change of use of the Field at Alms Heath where Guildford Borough Council (GBC) has now begun formal action.
Over the last few days, GBC have issued two notices:
- An Enforcement Notice, requiring the cessation of the unauthorised residential use of the site and the reversal of the associated works, restoring the land to its previous lawful condition. The Enforcement Notice will take effect on 12th December 2025 unless an appeal is made in advance of that date.
- A Stop Notice, which took effect on 11th November 2025 and requires that no additional caravans, mobile home or structures for the purposes of residential occupation are brought onto the land and requires the cessation of further works on the land in association with the residential use.
Guildford Borough Council is also pursuing further action and we await information on this which will be shared with the community on receipt.
Residents are encouraged to direct any questions or concerns to the Guildford Borough Council Planning Enforcement Team quoting number: EN/25/00392: planningenquiries@guildford.gov.uk
GBC have advised us via our Borough Councillor that a planning application submitted for this land has not been validated.
We will keep you advised of any further developments or news relating to this site as we hear it.
Ockham Parish Council has a new Councillor.
We are delighted to welcome Jan Hickson to Ockham Parish Council. Jan was co-opted to the PC at our November meeting.
New Unitary Authorities for Surrey.
The government has confirmed that from 1st April 2027, the existing Surrey County Council plus the 11 district/borough councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities. Ockham will fall under the new West Surrey authority. Elections for the new unitary authorities are expected in May 2026 and the full handover to the new councils will be from April 2027. We will keep you updated with information about the changes as we hear them.
Please contact our Parish Clerk with enquiries: clerk@ockhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
