At its recent meeting, the Executive of Surrey Heath Borough Council approved the sale of Woodend Road Car Park in Deepcut, to support discretionary services provision.
Following a comprehensive review of the council’s land and property to identify surplus assets, the decision supports a key manifesto commitment to make council-owned property work, ensuring assets are used efficiently and in ways that deliver greater benefit for the wider community.
Cllr Kel Finan-Cooke, Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Property & Economic Development, commented: "This decision was not taken lightly, but we are committed to using our resources wisely to deliver lasting value for our community.
“By making these tough decisions, which we recognise potentially impact a limited number of residents, we're able to continue protecting funding for discretionary community services that support our most vulnerable groups across the borough.
“After a thorough review, I want to assure residents that plenty of free parking will remain available nearby, right in the heart of the village, for the long term. "
The council has faced substantial financial challenges in recent years, including high inflation, increased interest rates, reset reserve balances and carries a significant debt burden.
Given these financial pressures, the sale of the Woodend Road Car Park was deemed necessary to help the council's debt and support fiscal responsibility.
The car park, identified as becoming surplus to operational requirements in the near future, is expected to remain operational until the new car park at nearby St Barbara’s Church opens. This is anticipated within three months of its completion, or until December 2026 at the latest, whichever comes first.
The new larger free car park with 60 spaces will open just 290 yards away, providing convenient parking for visitors and residents alike. Throughout this period, access to local amenities will be maintained without interruption.
Additionally, the Mindenhurst development site in Deepcut, as highlighted in the council’s Local Plan, represents a vital opportunity to help meet the borough’s growing housing needs, making better use of underutilised land to support the future of Surrey Heath.
In listening to residents’ concerns, the Executive asked officers to use their discretion in the final sale agreement to maintain the existing free car park for as long as possible through the village transition.
Officers have also been asked to explore options for expanding parking capacity at the new site over the medium term, should future demand require it.