Former DERA site, Chobham Lane, Longcross

Released on 12 June 2012

This parcel of land straddles the administrative boundaries of Surrey Heath and Runnymede Borough Council. In total the site has an area of approximately 40ha, however only a small part of this area lies in this borough.

In 2011 Runnymede Borough Council granted planning permission for a comprehensive redevelopment of the site to provide approximately 1110sqm of commercial floorspace comprising office space, cafe/restaurant facilities, childcare facilities, leisure facilities and decked vehicle parking. At the same time Surrey Heath Borough Council granted planning permission for the parcel of land lying in this borough to provide an ecological buffer to the development approved in Runnymede.

The Council has not been engaged in any detailed pre-application discussions concerning this land since planning permission was granted, however Crest Nicolson and Avia Investors have notified the Council of their intention to submit a revised planning application to Runnymede Borough Council for land falling in that borough. This application will seek planning permission to comprehensively redevelop the site to provide in the region of 80,000sqm of office space, café, restaurants and a local convenience store and 200 homes following the demolition of the existing buildings on the land.

The Council has been advised that an application will also be submitted to Surrey Heath Borough Council at the same time (provisionally autumn 2012). This application will seek planning permission to demolish existing buildings on the part of the site lying in Surrey Heath and redevelop this land to provide a landscaped area or SANGS (Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space) to provide recreational space to the wider development.

Crest Nicolson and Avia Investors are planning to hold a 3 day public consultation event on 28, 29 and 30 June, details of which can be viewed at http://www.chobhamlane.info. Opens in a new window The Council has been advised that consultation letters have been sent to approximately 9,000 residents to notify them of this event. However this event is open to the public and can be attended by any interested party and not just those who have received a letter from Crest Nicolson and Avia Investors (or their representatives) informing them of it.

Because a planning application has not yet been submitted the Council cannot collate any comments or representations concerning the proposed revised planning application and with this in mind any questions should be directed to the proposed applicants via their website at http://www.chobhamlane.info/haveyoursay.html Opens in a new window