Have Your Say on the Future of a New Community Facility

 

Windlesham Parish Council is seeking residents’ views on the potential adoption of a new community building at Heathpark Wood, Windlesham.

 

Your Opinion Matters - Have Your Say Here! 

Background

In 2017, planning permission was granted for a new development at Heathpark Wood. As part of this approval, the developer, was required to construct a community building. The Council is now considering whether to adopt this facility and take on its management.

Before making a final decision, we need to understand whether there is community support for the Council adopting the building and if residents are willing to fund its ongoing costs through a potential increase in the parish precept (the portion of Council Tax that funds local services). These apply to the whole Parish and not just the Windlesham ward where the building will be located.

Please note: This consultation is solely focused on whether Windlesham Parish Council should assume responsibility for the proposed community building. It is not a consultation on whether the building should be constructed, nor on alternative uses for the land (such as maintaining it as greenspace).

We fully appreciate the sensitivity surrounding the Heathpark Wood development. However, the decision to permit the construction was made by the relevant planning authority and is now a settled matter. That planning decision cannot be revisited or overturned as part of this consultation process.

 

What is Being Proposed?

It is proposed that the freehold of the Heathpark Woods Community Building be transferred to an end user, with Windlesham Parish Council being a possible candidate.

 

Key Details of the Building:

• Includes a community space, car park, and landscaped areas.
• Construction costs are fully covered by the developer.
• Ongoing maintenance, operational costs, and legal responsibilities would fall to the Council (or another managing entity).
• The building’s design is already finalised, with only minor layout adjustments permitted.

View the plans here: Site Map : Building Elevations : Floor Plan

 

The building could be used for purposes such as:

· A community hub for recreational use.

· A venue for local groups, clubs, and educational workshops.

· Space for community events, meetings, and private hire.

 

Challenges and financial considerations if the Council were to adopt the building.

 

See Full Business Case here

· The cost of building the Centre will be borne by the developer. Once completed, it is proposed that it will be donated to the Parish Council. As the first tier of local government, the Council has a responsibility to consider taking on facilities that provide long-term benefit to the community.

· Estimated annual running costs: £54,000. These could be subject to change, either higher or lower depending on the business model and use of the building.

· During the early stages of operation, it is anticipated that the running costs of the Centre may exceed income as the user base is established. However, over time, it is expected that the facility will move towards a break-even position.

· To break even, the hall would need to be booked for approximately 47 hours per week at a competitive hire rate of £22 per hour.

· If hire revenue falls short, the Council may need to increase the precept to cover costs.

Based on the Parish Council's 2025-26 tax base and Band D precept, the potential impact on a Band D property could be as follows:

Funded by the Parish Council	Approximate annual increase in band D precept
100%	£6.40
50%	£3.20
20%	£1.28

NB: The figures above are based on the assumption that Windlesham Parish Council will continue to operate in its current structure, representing the three villages of Bagshot, Lightwater, and Windlesham.

 

Alternative Management Option:
An alternative proposal is for the Council to adopt the building but allow a charitable trust to manage it. This may help reduce costs but could still require financial support.

 

Pros and Cons of a Charitable Trust Model

Pros	Cons
Potentially lower operating costs	Less direct Council oversight Dependent on voluntary trustee capacity and community involvement Uncertain long-term financial sustainability

 

What Happens if the Council Does Not Adopt the Building?

The developers have indicated that if the Council declines ownership:

· The building will be openly marketed as a management opportunity for consideration by other management groups.

· If no other management groups are forthcoming, the developer may apply for a change of use for the building.

· If no alternative use is approved, responsibility may pass to the Estate Management Committee.

 

Please note that the survey will inquire whether Windlesham residents live in north or south Windlesham. Please see the boundary map below for clarity.

 

Your Opinion Matters - Have your Say Here!