Draft recommendations for Windlesham Parish - Windlesham village
The current parish of Windlesham comprises the three villages of Bagshot, Lightwater and Windlesham. It has a single parish council, with warding arrangements.
The Council is recommending that:
1. The current boundary of Windlesham parish is altered, with the effect of removing Windlesham village (on the Windlesham Neighbourhood Plan boundary) from the Parish.
2. A new parish is created for Windlesham village.
The changes are expected to come into effect in April 2027.
Changes to Ownership of Assets
The proposed changes mean there could be changes to the ownership of assets owned jointly by the parish covering the three villages. The transfer of assets would be conducted in accordance with legislation.
This means any assets within Bagshot and Lightwater villages would remain within the existing parish council’s ownership and control. This includes assets such as Hook Mill Lane Depot, Hook Mill Lane Allotments, and any playgrounds and green spaces within Bagshot and Lightwater villages.
Assets that fall within Windlesham village such as Kings Lane playground and Windlesham War Memorial would transfer to the ownership and control of the new parish council for Windlesham.
Any balances held by the existing Parish Council would be split in line with the population for each area: Bagshot and Lightwater Parish Council would retain 75% of the parish’s balances and the new Windlesham parish council would receive 25% of the balances. Any Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions received will remain with/transfer to the parish council for the area to which the contribution related.
It is anticipated that the current Burial Authority would split into separate Burial Authorities, with the cemeteries managed by the corresponding authority for that parish area.
The more specific consequential decisions and impacts for the Windlesham village are set out below.
Windlesham Village
The recommendations involve creating a new parish with a parish council for Windlesham village area. As a minimum, this is expected to involve the establishment of a new parish office, hiring staff, and initially continuing any existing parish contracts that are in place that relate to the new parish area (for example any greenspace contracts).
Indicative information from the existing Windlesham Parish Council suggests that creating a separate parish council for Windlesham could increase the precept residents pay by up to 16%. It is therefore highlighted that a year-one precept could range between £65 and £75 for a Band D property. This would replace, rather than be in addition to, the current precept (currently £65.29 for a Band D property in 2025/26).
Residents of Windlesham village are specifically asked to provide views on the following matters:
· Name and style of the new parish and parish council.
· The number of councillors for the parish council.
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