The final recommendations of the Community Governance Review into the future of parish councils across Surrey Heath were agreed at an Extraordinary Council Meeting yesterday (16 June 2026).
The review looked at parish and community arrangements across the borough to ensure they continue to reflect local identity and provide effective governance. Following a series of public consultations and engagement with stakeholders since the review was announced in July 2025, the agreed recommendations are:
- Unparished areas – no new parishes to be created
- Bisley and Chobham parishes – no changes to existing arrangements
- West End Parish - the western boundary be amended to exclude all of Minorca Avenue Deepcut
- Bagshot & Lightwater – a combined parish to remain without Windlesham village area included
- Windlesham – a new separate parish council for Windlesham village to be created.
A parish council, sometimes known as a Town Council, is the most local level of government, representing a specific community, focusing on local issues.
It manages community amenities such as allotments, village greens, cemeteries and community centres, supporting facilities like play areas, footpaths, and community events.
Following feedback received through the consultation, Windlesham Parish, which previously covered Windlesham, Bagshot and Lightwater, will be split. The Windlesham Neighbourhood Plan area will be removed, and the remaining parish will be renamed Bagshot and Lightwater Parish to be served by Bagshot and Lightwater Parish Council.
This parish council will be made up of Bagshot ward and Lightwater ward, with seven councillors appointed to each ward.
A new parish called the Village of Windlesham will be created in the boundary of the Windlesham Neighbourhood Plan area, and Windlesham Village Council created, consisting of seven councillors.
Due to the Local Government Reorganisation process being underway, authority will be sought from West Surrey Shadow Authority to make the Community Governance Order covering these changes. The Community Governance Order will state that Windlesham Village Council will be established on 1 April 2027. Election of parish councillors will take place on 6 May 2027 and the councillors will take up office on 10 May 2027.
Physical assets will remain in or transfer to the parish council in which they geographically sit. For example, Hook Mill Lane Depot and Hook Mill Lane Allotments will remain with Bagshot and Lightwater Parish Council.
Financial balances will be split according to population, which means Bagshot and Lightwater Parish Council will retain 75% of balances and Windlesham Village Council will receive 25% of balances.
Read more about the Community Governance Review
Access the agenda and report for the Extraordinary Council Meeting of 16 June 2026