The bid was submitted by the council, working with The Rutland Group, following the publication of a prospectus in summer 2018 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, inviting local partners to come forward with plans for new Garden Villages. Following a competitive bidding process, the Government confirmed its support for the scheme in a letter to the council today, including a commitment to allocate a share from a £3 million fund to ensure its successful delivery.
The council welcomes this fantastic news. We are totally committed to seeing Dunsfold Park create a sustainable hub for future generations to live, work and thrive. The development will have a complete offering for residents; with affordable and market homes alongside Waverley’s largest business park, which will have employment opportunities for local people in areas such as energy, manufacturing, construction, retail and more. The village centre will have all the services and amenities needed for a flourishing community, including a school, community centre and a large area of open space and woodland – all within easy walking distance and supported by sustainable transport initiatives.
Our planning department worked hard on the submission for the Garden Village status and the announcement of our success just highlights the quality of our proposal.
The Garden Communities Programme carries capacity funding of £150,000 to support the delivery of Dunsfold Park. In addition, Homes England will work with us, providing expert advice and mediating across Government agencies to help resolve any policy issues that are a barrier to delivery.
We are looking forward to working with Homes England and the Government to build beautiful and sustainable new homes that are supported by the right infrastructure; and that will benefit both new and existing communities in our borough
It is wonderful news that the Government has recognised our proposals meet the criteria for Garden Village status. Since 2007 our plans have focused on being both socially and environmentally sustainable, creating a community where people are proud to live and work.
Our masterplan for a new sustainable Surrey village has public open spaces and facilities, including shops and restaurants, which Waverley residents will be able to use and enjoy. These new facilities, as well as the expanded business park, will create more local jobs and help to grow the local economy. Our ambition is to be the best example of new development in the borough and beyond.
The core 625-acre brownfield site has planning consent for a sustainable mixed-use development. The vision is to deliver a ‘new Surrey village’, with 1,800 new homes being accompanied by new employment space that complements the existing offering and a range of services and community facilities for residents. Proposed facilities include a school, health centre and country park, which will be delivered alongside a comprehensive package of transport improvements. The plans also include increasing the business park to create more space and jobs. In 2017 work was completed on a 9,966 sq.m expansion project.
From 1 April 2024, the responsibility for LEP functions across the Enterprise M3 LEP region has transferred to Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council.
The Enterprise M3 Board met for the last time in March 2024 and Enterprise M3 LEP is no longer operating as an organisation.
For any enquiries relating to economic development across the counties of Hampshire and Surrey, please visit the Hampshire County Council website and Business Surrey respectively.
Please note that Enterprise M3 LEP staff have transferred to Hampshire County Council to continue to deliver services and activities in Hampshire, including the Growth Hub, the Careers Hub, work on key business sectors, and trade and investment.
They can be contacted at economic.development@hants.gov.uk.
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