How well protected is Guildford’s historic character. This section contains articles discussing the issue of conservation and planning. National and local listings along with conservation areas and national guidelines provide some protection. However, Guildford is threatened with more high rise buildings and (some would argue) too much land being taken from the green belt.  In recent years several key local landmarks have been demolished such as the Old School House and  Grange Road 18th century barn. Others such as Marlyn’s House in Burpham and Stoke Lodge have had a narrow escape. This is a difficult area where the need for progress comes into conflict with the desire to maintain the historic character of the town.