UPDATE AS OF 7TH DECEMBER 2020
BY CLLR THERESA BURTON
The latest outline plans for Longcross South were recently shared at an online presentation hosted by Crest Nicholson and associates in early November. The new plan is likely to be submitted to Runnymede Borough Council for approval in the first half of 2021.
It includes a design for around 1700 new homes, a village centre and green, a two-form primary school, green spaces, play areas and community areas.
The key design will be based on sustainable living with cycle and pedestrian routes throughout the village as well as hopper buses. The existing woodland and heritage features on Barrowhill will be protected creating a central green space within the garden village.
Sport pitches, pavilion, allotments and associated parking are planned which will complement the existing Chertsey Common/Trumps Farm SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space) off Kitsmead Lane to the east.
Key to the development of Longcross South is the transport and highways strategy including improvements to the A320 road corridor for which Surrey County Council have secured advance funding from the Housing Infrastructure Fund. The improvements will be to most of the junctions along the A320 from Ottershaw to the Twinersh Roundabout. A new pedestrian and cycle way is also planned running along side Kitsmead Lane to provide a connection to Trumps Green Road.
Longcross North now has 186 homes occupied or under construction and works are underway on the Discovery Centre which is planned to provide a café and shop for the local area. Recent plans approved by the Council include the retention of the film studio which will be good news for existing local employment and the retention of a unique asset for the film and creative industries in Runnymede. The film studio with its very large indoor stages and outdoor backlots have hosted many Hollywood blockbusters and is currently busy filming Marvel’s Dr. Strange 2.
Retention of the Film Studios has meant that some changes to the original master plan have been necessary and discussions are ongoing regarding the car parking strategy for the Longcross train station and relocation of the backlots.
As ward councillors, we will be keeping a close eye on the plan and the development, so if anyone has any questions or concerns please get in touch. Further details of the plan can be found on our website.
https://runnymedelibdems.org.uk/en/article/2020/1383495/longcross-garden-village-latest-plan
Cllr Theresa Burton: cllr.theresa.burton@runnymede.gov.uk, 07555 918914
Cllr Donald Whyte: cllr.donald.whyte@runnymede.gov.uk, 07836 255902
Cllr Sylvia Whyte: cllr.sylvia.whyte@runnymede.gov.uk, 07717 584763