Letter: Councillor’s Statement is Misleading

Published on: 20 Dec, 2024
Updated on: 20 Dec, 2024

The Ash site earmarked for a medical facility

From John Tonks

Ash parish councillor (Con)

In response to: Care Home Proposal For Vacant Bewley Land in Ash

I have read the above article, and I am concerned that it contains misleading information.

The last paragraph of the statement made by Cllr Fiona White is incorrect. It implies that Guildford Borough Council (GBC) is expecting to release S106 healthcare funding to the Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) and that this is connected to S106 funding received from Ash Lodge Drive development.

My colleagues and I have checked with GBC; the S106 healthcare funding referenced by Cllr White comes from other developments in the Ash and Tongham area so it is misleading to suggest that the Frimley ICB is benefiting from this development whilst the developer advertises plans to develop the land for residential use (a care home).

Further, I am disappointed that in the past five years, GBC has not made more progress in deciding the future of this land. If the local ICB does not wish to take on this location, it should revert to community use rather than return to the developer for residential development.

I note that the article states that Bewley Homes has started negotiations with another company to build a care home. This would be another form of residential development in my view and against the original spirit of the purpose for this land being set aside.

If this is not to be a formal health facility, it should be used for the betterment of the health of the entire community, which could simply be a green open space or park.