ONF Steering Committee Meeting Summary 26th Feb 2026

Thank you to everyone who continues to follow and support the work of the Ottershaw Neighbourhood Forum. Here’s a clear roundup of what we covered at the meeting held on 26th February, attended by local residents and Forum Steering Committee (SC) members.

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Neighbourhood Plan – Final Steps Before Consultation

We’re nearing the final stage before launching the Regulation 14 consultation. This will be the community’s final opportunity to comment on the Draft Neighbourhood Plan.

Key progress:

• The Evidence Base is complete, including the Open Spaces Study which supports protecting Murray House/Palmer Crescent and Memorial Fields as Local Green Spaces.

• SC Members are completing the last round of checks before the plan goes live.

• A minimum 6‑week community consultation will follow, with printed copies available and a leaflet delivered to every household within the Neighbourhood Area.

👉 Once consultation begins, your feedback will help shape the final version of the plan.

🚧 A320 Scheme – Protection of the Ottershaw Oaks

Significant community concern remains about the impact of the A320 works on the four True Veteran oak trees at the Otter roundabout.

Key issues:

• Tree protection barriers have been installed incorrectly, allowing machinery to enter the Root Protection Areas.

• Open trenching has occurred through the tree roots, which has led to waterlogging and potential long‑term damage.

• Imagery shared by residents confirms that some areas of “retained woodland” trees have already been removed.

We have:

• Contacted Surrey County Council repeatedly with evidence.

• Attended a site visit with County Cllrs Jonathan Hulley & Scott Lewis to inspect concerns directly.

 👉 Residents can follow live updates on the Ottershaw Neighbourhood Forum Facebook page and we will continue to update through these blogs as soon as we receive more information from SCC.

🏘️ Local Development – What’s Coming Up

We discussed the wider development pressures affecting Ottershaw and neighbouring areas:

• A large housing development with SANG (countryside recreation space) is being proposed for Great Grove Farm area with the SANG towards St Peter’s Way / M25, with potential access from Murray/Guildford Road.

• Broxborough Park has begun Phase 2 of build (foundations are in for houses to be continued to be built).

• The Christmas Tree Farm has been a parcel of land identified for development for many years and conversations have started with RBC to bring this site forward for development, but nothing has been agreed or bought forward to the planning stage.

👉 Long‑term development decisions will make the Neighbourhood Plan more important than ever.

📰 Website Refresh

A new, cleaner version of our website is almost ready.

What to expect:

• Clearer information about local projects

• Easier navigation

• Dedicated pages for major developments (A320, Brockhurst, Great Grove Farm)

• More fresh content

We plan for the new site will go live alongside the Regulation 14 consultation.

🚨 SANG / Spratts Alley Car Park Concerns

A resident subgroup has formed to focus on the proposed Hare Hill SANG car park by Spratts Lane.

• We’re waiting to confirm whether the upcoming RBC planning meeting will be public or private.

• If public, there will likely be the opportunity to Object and we encourage residents to attend to show community interest.

• The group is preparing questions, alternatives and objections when appropriate.

📢 How You Can Help Right Now

• Keep an eye out for the Draft Neighbourhood Plan leaflet through your letterbox.

• Share posts so neighbours can stay informed.

• Submit objections whenever notified to strengthen public opinion on key issues

The Forum exists to ensure your voice shapes Ottershaw’s future. Thank you for your support — together we can protect what matters and plan positively for what comes next.

🗓️ Upcoming Meetings

• March 12th: Steering Committee meeting

• March 26th: Steering Committee meeting

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We’re committed to transparency and collaboration as we move forward with these important pieces of work. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to check the blog regularly for the latest news.