PROJECT UPDATE

Planning Application Submitted

Proposals to develop land adjacent to Smarts Heath Common, known as Ten Acre Farm, for recreational use by the local community have moved forward with the submission of a formal planning application.

The proposals could see the relocation of Woking Gymnastics Club from Kingfield to a new purpose-built facility, improved amenities for visitors to Smarts Heath Common and enhanced flood alleviation measures for the local area.

Visit the NEWS page for further details and the PLANS page for new drawings of the site and planned gymnastics facility.

October 2017

LOCATION

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TEN ACRE FARM TODAY

The former traveller site, recently acquired by Woking Borough Council,
is located on the eastern side of Smarts Heath Common, along Smarts Heath Road.

Over the years, Ten Acre Farm has been subject to numerous small scale unauthorised building developments and misused for the disposal of waste, more commonly known as fly-tipping. This has led to the site’s deterioration which, if left,  could jeopardise neighbouring Smarts Heath Common and Hoe Stream.

Developing the site in its current state would enable the Council to not only remediate the land, but significantly enhance the local environment, whilst enabling Woking Gymnastics Club to relocate to a state-of-the-art facility that would support the continued growth of one of the Borough’s most successful clubs. ​

THE PROPOSALS 

• Ample parking facilities for visitors to Smarts Heath Common and Woking Gymnastics Club 
• Footpath providing easy access to Smarts Heath Common
• Sympathetic landscaping of Ten Acre Farm
• Feature pond and reed bed that will improve flood resilience and biodiversity
• Restaurant with terrace and picnic area for use by visitors to Smarts Heath Common
• Fully equipped gymnastic hall with changing facilities and additional rooms for related disciplines

NATURE

SMARTS HEATH COMMON
A VALUED NATURAL RESOURCE

Smarts Heath in Mayford is greatly valued by local residents, as both a natural sanctuary for walking, and as a home for a wealth of wildlife and plant species.
The Heath is registered common land, which ensures protection in a sustainable way, delivering benefits for biodiversity, and public access. 

Smarts Heath Common is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). SSSIs are legally protected areas of national importance for wildlife and/or geology. They recognise a site is amongst the most unique and varied habitats and they can contain plants and wildlife that would find it difficult to survive elsewhere.
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Smarts Heath is particularly rich in wild flowers, such as Southern Marsh Orchids, Yellow Rattle, Tufted Vetch and Ox-Eye Daisy. The site’s diverse habitats, particularly the open heath and scrub, provide suitable breeding areas for characteristic heathland bird species, including the Nightjar.

NATURE

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FLOOD ALLEVIATION

FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEMES - HOE VALLEY​

Our objective is to reduce the consequences of flooding from 
all sources, including rivers and surface water. Whilst we cannot prevent flooding, we are developing key flood alleviation schemes within high risk areas to reduce its destructive outcome. 

HOW TEN ACRE FARM COULD HELP

Ten Acre Farm falls to the west of the existing flood alleviation plans. The current proposals are effectively stopped by the railway line and embankment.

​Remodelling of the existing levels on Ten Acre Farm provides us with the opportunity to extend the current flood alleviation plans further along the Hoe Stream.

FLOODING

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Woking Gymnastics Club

NEED FOR EXPANSION

Read about our Club, our need for a new facility and what benefits it will bring to our gymnasts and the local community

gymnastics

The Proposed Plans

• Sub dividable gymnastics hall
• Formal spectator seating Informal viewing areas
• Multi-purpose halls /dance space / meeting rooms
• Male and female changing
• Offices and staff rooms
• Café for public and gym users
• Public toilets
  

• ​Modern methods of construction
• BREEAM – very good rating
• Use of green guide ‘A’ rated materials
• Photovoltaic and solar panels
• Sedum roof
• Grey water harvesting
  
• Reed bed drainage

Proposed Site Plan

Proposed Facilities

Proposed Landscape

VIEW PLANS

NEWSLETTER

The feedback process has concluded.
​Subscribe to our newsletter to be kept informed of future developments.