Recent communication from the Octagon Group regarding the development at Broadoaks:
I am contacting you to bring you up to date and explain the current position on the redevelopment of Broadoaks, Parvis Road, West Byfleet as I am aware that various rumours and elements of misinformation are circulating in the local community about the future of this important project.
I am pleased to confirm that Octagon Developments are now the Freehold Owners of the site and have received detailed Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent, Ref 2016/10003 for a mixed development of private homes, affordable homes and the completion of the existing commercial building known as Sherwood House to provide a Private Secondary School.
Unfortunately the proposed school provider, United Learning, have recently advised that due to financial pressures and the general uncertainty for the economy of London and the South East, they consider the risks of the Sherwood House project outweigh the potential rewards. Their Board of Trustees has therefore decided not to proceed with the project.
We are currently liaising with Officers at Woking Borough Council to find an alternative and suitable use for that part of the site which was allocated for the new school. Inevitably this will take time and will need extensive consultation and liaison with the Council’s Officers to formulate a deliverable and acceptable use for this part of the site.
We have had an initial discussion with the Council and Pegasus Life, one of the largest providers in the country of retirement and later life care facilities, and we are now formulating ideas for Pegasus Life to step into the shoes of United Learning and take on this element of the overall scheme.
Prior to any new Planning Application being made to the Council, we will hold a Public Exhibition and consultation for all local residents and interested parties in the coming months, as soon as our plans are sufficiently advanced.
Although we expect any alternative use of Sherwood House will generate less traffic movements than the school would have done we still intend, as part of any new Planning Application, to include the agreed highway improvement works to Parvis Road consisting of the widening of the road, installation of a toucan crossing and a new computerised traffic light management system all as recently approved in the current Planning Permission.
I trust this now brings you fully up to date with our plans and look forward to confirming the date for the Public Consultation Exhibition in the New Year as soon as we are ready.
Comments are welcome.
I would like to suggest that Pegasus Life consider incorporating Inter Generational Care into their plans for the Broadoaks Site. The concept although more established outside the UK is growing in popularity here and advocates that nurseries are either based within Elderly Care Homes or that children regularly visit and interact. Studies have found that there are benefits for all involved. If Pegasus Life are prepared to consider this suggestion I would be keen to discuss ideas to help make it happen.