Below is a summary of questions we often get asked about Mindenhurst. If there is anything else you’d like to know, please contact us and we will get back to you.
To catch up on everything that has been going on at Mindenhurst, why not take a look at our recent newsletters.
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. Unfortunately, tree removal is essential for development progress at Mindenhurst and forms part of our work to prepare the site – this includes future housing, archaeological works and remediating historic contamination.
We understand this can cause concerns and would like to reassure you that all works will be done in line with our planning permission, and with experienced ecologists from Surrey Wildlife Trust to ensure that all necessary measures have been taken to protect local wildlife.
We remain committed to replanting trees and creating and enhancing local wildlife habitats.
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. If you are interested having an allotment, please contact their Leisure Services Team at leisure.services@surreyheath.gov.uk.
What is the latest update on the boarded-up Ministry of Defence houses?
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently confirmed it is in the process of transferring the ownership of many MoD houses in Deepcut to Annington Homes. Military personnel living in these homes will be moving to newly purchased properties in the Aldershot area.
The MoD will keep 26 homes on Canada Road, Union Road, Newfoundland Road, and Normandy Close. These homes will be renovated for new military families.
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 however they should be completed in October 2023.
Works are set to start on the construction of a new community hall, which will be attached to St Barbara’s Church in 2024. This work is likely to take 12-months.
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. 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.
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.
Why are you felling trees around the Frimley Lock Cycle Path?
You might have noticed our team is removing several trees around the Southern sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS), tree felling is taking place at either end of the Frimley Lock cycle path (to the south of the green swathe and towards the southern end of the development).
This work will enable us to create two ponds and an outlet into the canal so water can flow from the development, this is the final stage of our site wide drainage works. Construction on the SuDs will begin shortly after the tree felling is complete and is likely to last around 16 to 20 weeks. Additionally, these works are being carried out under the supervision of Surrey Wildlife Trust.
If you have any questions about this or any other element of the works taking place at Mindenhurst, please contact us at hello@mindenhurst.co.uk.