Who is delivering which parts of the redevelopment?
A 10-year hybrid planning consent is in place which runs until 2024. In 2014 this provided outline approval for the delivery of 1,200 new homes along with a specified set of supporting infrastructure.
The infrastructure elements of the Mindenhurst development are being delivered by Skanska on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Skanska are securing detailed planning permission for, and then constructing, all the elements of this infrastructure programme. This encompasses new spine roads, drainage, the primary school, village green and pond, formal park, new church hall, restored church, open spaces and extensive environmental improvements across the site and along Deepcut Bridge Road.
A series of serviced development plots are being sold to housebuilders who will each secure detailed planning permission for their own proposals prior to construction. Three initial plots have been sold to Bovis, Cala and Trivselhus, representing approximately a third of the total housing development.
Some existing buildings of merit across the site will also be sold for conversion to provide apartments.
Other plots have been sold to developers to create the new village pub (the Frog) and the food store. The purpose-built school has been completed and is now proposed to open from September 2023.
When will Mindenhurst Primary School open?
The new Mindenhurst school is complete and was handed over to Surrey County Council on 15th January 2021.
Following a community consultation carried out by Surrey County Council and The Kite Academy Trust, the Department for Education has made confirmed that Lakeside Nursery & Primary Academy will move to the Mindenhurst school site for September 2023.
Please contact Surrey County Council for September 2023 Reception and Year 3 entry, for all other applications contact Lakeside School Office by calling 01276 469200 or emailing info@lakeside.kite.academy
More information can be found at lakeside.kite.academy/news-and-events
When will the new food store open?
At the moment, we do not have a specific opening date for the new food store in Mindenhurst. We are excited to share that the agreement with the new provider is currently in the legal negotiation stage, and our team is working diligently with lawyers to finalise the details and exchange contracts. Once we have successfully completed this stage, we will be able to provide a more accurate timeline for the store’s opening. Rest assured, we will keep the community updated on any progress and important milestones as they happen.
The new scheme will utilise the building of the former RLC museum, accessed from the new Mindenhurst Road.
Why are trees being removed?
Trees will only be removed if strictly necessary and with approval from the Local Authority. A number of trees have been removed to facilitate the development, which includes housing developer parcels.
Unfortunately, it was also necessary to remove trees and vegetation to undertake remediation activities to deal with historic contamination on the site.
Long term, the development has in place a Biodiversity Net Gain in strategy which aims to retain and enhance the habitats at Mindenhurst and increase the overall biodiversity of the area. To read more about our Biodiversity Net Gain strategy please read the article in our Autumn 2020 Newsletter.
Why are areas of land fenced off in and around the Central SANGS (Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space)?
There is a small area fenced off along the south of the Central SANGS (path that runs adjacent to the assault course). This is due to the presence of Japanese Knotweed which is very easily spread and is fenced off to prevent further spread. The knotweed is currently undergoing an annual chemical treatment programme.
To the East of the Central SANGS (behind Portesbery School) work is still in progress. Remediation of this area was completed in 2021 and the area is safe, however it still requires landscaping which is subject to Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC) granting planning permission. This application has been submitted and as soon as it is granted, we will mobilise to complete the works. The green fencing to the back of Portesbery School denotes the ownership boundary between the MOD Training Ground and the land the council will adopt when works are completed.
When will allotments be available and how can I sign up for one?
We expect the allotments to be built in 2024, Surrey Heath Borough Council will allocate allotments and manage the waiting list. We’ll share any progress on our website so check back soon for updates.
When does the next phase of new homes become available?
All parcels of residential land are currently out to market. This means our commercial team is busy liaising with potential developers, we will announce any news about future phases on our socials and website so stay tuned for the latest news.
When will St Barbara’s Church be completed?
St. Barbara’s external refurbishment works are ongoing, we anticipate that the scaffolding on the church will start to come down in April. We will also restore and install the spire once the scaffolding has been removed.
Works are set to start on the construction of a new community hall, which will be attached to St Barbara’s Church in late 2023. This work is likely to take 12-months, so the project is expected to be fully completed summer/autumn 2024.
When will the green swathe be open to the public?
We are happy to report that the planting work on the green swathe in Mindenhurst has been completed, and the area is now established. We are currently waiting for the final sign-off from the council. Once we receive their approval, we plan to open the green swathe to the public for the summer season. We will continue to keep the community updated on any developments related to the green swathe’s opening.
What is the situation with the playground on Blackdown Road? Why has it been closed?
The playground on Blackdown Road is not part of the Mindenhurst development. The land is owned by the MOD, but it is leased to the council. The playground was closed after Skanska conducted a safety assessment that identified some concerns. As a result, the playground has been closed, awaiting necessary action from the council. For updates and information about the playground’s reopening, we recommend reaching out to the council directly, as they are responsible for addressing the safety concerns and managing the playground’s status.
Blu-3 Electrical Works
Blu-3 is continuing the electrical works in Deepcut and Mindenhurst, this upgrade is needed to create extra capacity on the network in line with new Government legislation.
The team is currently progressing along Coleford Bridge Road, they expect to complete this phase of works by the end of May. The team has navigated past the trickiest section of Lake Road and will now continue to Wharf Road where their works will head towards Frimley Green.
Footpath Closure in the Central SANG
We have temporarily closed a stretch of footpath in the Central SANG whilst work is carried out on the bank between the Bovis Homes development and the SANG. Work began on 7 March and is expected to take three months. Read more about the footpath closure here.
Who is responsible for repairing potholes?
The local County authority has responsibility for maintaining public highways across the UK. When undertaking major projects, it is normal for developers to pay the local authority a contribution towards maintaining local roads on top of the usual road tax paid for each vehicle. In line with this approach, Skanska has paid a contribution to Surrey County Council to support the maintenance of local roads whilst we are undertaking works in the area.
We appreciate there are concerns around the quality of some local roads and the prevalence of potholes. This is a nationwide issue and is not unique to Deepcut, and unfortunately, Skanska is unable to complete highways improvements works on behalf of Surrey Highways.
Further enquiries should be directed to Surrey Highways.