Council Developments
Springfield
Full Council approved the business case and budget for this scheme in late 2023. This will enable the submission of a planning application for a development of 26 affordable homes at 13-22 Springfield, Elstead, comprising a mix of tenures and types.
- 13no 2-bedroomed houses
- 4no 1-bedroomed maisonettes
- 3no 3-bedroomed houses
- 3no 1-bedroomed flats
- 3no- 2-bedroomed flats.
Feedback through informal public consultation via a drop-in event on 10 July 2024 and social media engagement through our Commonplace site New build development Springfield has demonstrated endorsement for the designs produced.
The consultation found approval in its feedback for the high-quality design and thought that had gone into the proposals – including the relocation of the Local Area for Play (LAP) from the Quillets to the front of the new scheme. The scheme as currently designed will also help to reduce the susceptibility of Springfield and Upper Springfield to localised flooding and provide additional off-site parking for local residents/visitors to the nearby Doctors’ surgery – both of which have been promoted by Elstead Parish Council, with whom the council's officers have been closely working.
The site has also been included within the Elstead and Weyburn Neighbourhood Plan 2013 – 2032.
A planning application will be submitted to the council as planning authority in October 2024.
Why are we developing?
Affordable housing is central to community wellbeing. We are working to maximise the supply of affordable housing and meet the goals identified in the Waverley Borough Council Housing Strategy 2018-2023.
Our regeneration and development schemes make the best use of the council's land assets to provide new affordable homes which are sustainable, energy efficient, high quality and meet the needs of Waverley residents.
How will the redevelopment proposals for Elstead be funded?
Through careful financial management, money has been made available in our Housing Revenue Account to build new council homes across the borough.
How did you identify the areas for redevelopment?
We have been working to identify sites that could support the delivery of much-needed affordable rented homes in Elstead. We decided to maximise the potential of our land and assets by specifically focussing on sites with under-utilised land and where more bedroom spaces and better-quality homes can be built to improve and increase our stock that will help meet local housing need.
How many homes are potentially affected by the redevelopment?
The Elstead redevelopment scheme includes 10 existing homes which will be replaced with 26 new homes, giving a net gain of 16 properties but importantly offering a range of house types, five in total. These types will include level-access properties (flats and maisonettes) and a specially adapted three-bedroom house for a wheelchair user.
Current position of the development
Planning permission will be sought with an application to be lodged during October 2024. The Council’s Housing Management Team will continue to engage with existing tenants and support them as they decide whether they would like to make a single permanent move or a temporary one and return to one of the new homes at Springfield when they are completed.
This is all subject to planning permission, however as our tenants move off the site, we will also start the processes of service disconnections and procurement of a contractor to work with the council. We expect works will start with service diversions, road realignments and demolition before construction of the new homes can progress.
A start on site is hoped for Autumn/Winter 2025. Once on site, a 12-15 month build programme is assumed with handovers planned at this point in the programme for spring 2027.
Engagement will continue directly with our tenants and the wider community via Commonplace.