Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 23, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED:   1.    That Cabinet agrees the proposed re-development of the Bookham Community Centre at 164 Lower Road, a change in direction from the preferred location of the Lower Road Recreation Ground, and acknowledges the risks associated with development of a designated green belt site.   2.    That Cabinet approves deferral of housing development commitments associated with the previous decision in 2021 to beyond 2027/28 considering Surrey’s Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation timescales. 3.    That Cabinet approves the delegation of authority to approve budget variations required for the scheme +/-10% to Capital Programme Panel only (less than £1m), and budget variations over 10% (and/or over £1m) to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer) and Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure. 4.    That Cabinet reaffirms ongoing investment of the remaining budget allocation of £2.8m for 2025/26 and 2026/27.   5.    That Cabinet delegates authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer) in consultation with the Director of Land and Property to finalise and approve terms of any legal contracts, agreements and associated documentation to facilitate the proposals and compliance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972.   Reason for Decisions:   The original former Bookham Youth Centre building was closed in 2019 and is beyond economic repair. The Council has freehold ownership of the site. In February 2021, the Council’s Cabinet approved investment of £2.5m (excluding VAT) of capital funding for the reprovision of Bookham Youth Centre (BYC) and associated residential development. However, changes in planning legislation and impact on financial viability linked to biodiversity net gain and the National Planning Policy Framework update (December 2024) on Green Belt Policy means that development of the Lower Road Recreation Ground site as the former preferred option is no longer viable and associated housing development proposals cannot proceed. Officers have reviewed options, and the development of 164 Lower Road is confirmed as viable and affordable within existing approved budget allocations. The proposed development replaces the existing building, the Bridge at North Leatherhead and Bookham Family Centre, creating fit-for-purpose multi-purpose community facilities. The Medium-Term Financial Strategy includes a capital allocation of £2.8m across 2025/26 and 2026/27 for the design, build and development of the Community Centre in Bookham.  The delivery of the centre on the Lower Road site can be achieved within the existing capital budget allocation.  It is however, proposed that work on the housing development, agreed as part of the Cabinet’s decision from 2021, is deferred, with any future decision to pursue this development being made by the relevant new unitary council, to be established as part of the County’s Devolution and Local Government Re-organisation outcomes.   The new Community Centre facilities will be available for community use, including bookings by community groups. Lease arrangements will require terms compliant with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 following Section 151 approval.   (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee)