Questions and Answers. Last update 8th July 2026
Subject Areas of Questions
1. Decision Timing, Rationale, and Process
1.1 There has been no serious consideration of alternative sites; why is that? What alternative options were considered (such as retention, alternative land use, or alternative development models), and what was the recorded reasoning for rejecting them?
This is a question for the NHS Trust who have published their reasons as to why they have chosen our site and not others. FFA Trustee discussions are confidential, but we can confirm that we have previously considered other options over many years. The Charity did not progress those as we did not consider them to be in the best interests of the Charity. In contrast, we do consider that this proposal fulfils the best interests of the Charity.
1.2 The Frimley Fuel Allotments (FFA) had already decided to sell to the NHS trust prior to full consultation—was this decision legitimate?
Yes – there is no requirement under the Charities Act to undertake a consultation before entering into an agreement to dispose of our land. The legitimacy of the decision has also been confirmed by our legal advisors, who are legally obliged to confirm this before the trustees could take the decision to sell. The Charity Commission have also reviewed all relevant documents and confirmed they have no objections.
1.3 What is the recorded rationale and specific charitable objectives/governance grounds relied upon to justify progressing or considering the disposal/transfer of this land?
The Charity objectives are publicly available, and we are legally obliged to act in the best interests of the Charity. The Charity was founded in 1803 in order to address poverty, need and distress of those within the historic parish initially through supplying wood and stone and ultimately through giving individual and collective grants. The Charity objectives do not include the promotion of golf or other activities. The Charity has also historically sold land on previous occasions including to build the former cottage hospital in Frimley and Tomlinscote Sports Grounds.
1.4 What are the dates on which formal decisions were made, what was the nature of those decisions, and can the trustees provide the corresponding minutes, resolutions, voting records, and supporting papers?
The Trustee Board does not publish agendas or minutes and all discussions and papers to date have been within a confidentiality agreement with the Trust. However, we can confirm that the Charity Commission (as our regulator) were sent copies of all the relevant meetings and governance paperwork following concerns raised by a small number of objectors. We can also confirm that, after review, the Charity Commission closed their case with no concerns raised regarding the proposed sale.
1.5 Was any delegated authority used to progress this land disposal matter outside of full trustee meetings?
All decisions to approve the contract were made by the full Trustee Board. The Trustee Board established a smaller group of trustees under delegated authority to negotiate the terms to be considered.
1.6 Whether any trustees were excluded from discussions or voting relating to the proposed site and, if so, on what basis?
One trustee had a significant conflict of interest and conflict of loyalty and was therefore absented from discussions and voting in accordance with Charity Commission guidance and our internal processes. The trustee in question remains able to contribute to the wider work of the Charity. The Charity did contact the trustee’s appointing body to advise them of the situation and to invite them to consider whether they wished to appoint an alternative unconflicted trustee who would have been able to fully contribute to discussions. However, the appointing body have presently chosen not to do so, which is their choice. The Charity Commission were immediately advised by the Charity of this conflict of interest and raised no concern regarding our handling of this.
2. Legal, Governance, and Charity Commission Authority
2.1 Is the land proposed for disposal held as a permanent endowment (or special trust), and what specific restrictions affect its disposal?
This is not designated land as defined within the Charity Commission regulations. Should any asset sale be made, the capital sum would be kept as permanent endowment as now. However, the income raised from the interest from that sum would be used towards enhancing the level of support we give to those in need, hardship and distress within our local community.
2.2 What authority, order, or consent from the Charity Commission do the trustees consider is required before any disposal can take place, and has the Charity Commission already been consulted?
We can confirm that the Charity Commission have been made aware and have confirmed that after review, they have no objection. The Commission guidance requires charities to obtain independent advice and valuations from approved legal and surveyor professionals, and the Charity has followed this guidance in all respects. The asset sale does not require the Commission’s formal agreement although it could have chosen to intervene if it was concerned that due process had not been followed. It has chosen not to do so.
2.3 Can the trustees confirm that any disposal will rigorously follow the statutory requirements under sections 117 to 121 of the Charities Act 2011 (including obtaining a qualified surveyor’s report and appropriate advertising)?
We have complied in full with the relevant sections of the Charities Act, including the qualified surveyor’s report and the legal report confirming compliance with the Charities Act. These have also been externally reviewed by the Charity Commission, who have raised no concern regarding our compliance.
2.4 Please can you confirm when the NDA came into force and when it expired.
This is a request for commercially sensitive information and therefore we will not be publishing any information regarding the NDA.
Added 8th July 2026
3. Valuations, Financial Advice, and Economic Benefits
3.1 Whether the charity has any actual financial need to dispose of the land in order to meet its charitable objects, given that public register accounts show the charity has operated at a surplus in recent years?
The Charity can only spend the annual income that it receives which is around £250k a year and does not consider that this sum is likely to increase significantly for the foreseeable future. However, in recent years, the demand for assistance has far exceeded this amount resulting in many community or individual applications needing to be declined or granted at lower levels than requested. We are also mindful that the long-term future of Surrey charities is very bleak due to significant challenges to local government funding and that some charities have already begun to close. As a Charity, we are committed to ensuring that vital local charities supporting vulnerable people operating within our area should continue to thrive.
3.2 What independent legal, valuation, financial, planning, or charity governance advice has been obtained prior to making a decision?
We have appointed a range of independent external experts to ensure trustee decision making has been thorough and well informed. The details of these will be given within our next Annual report.
3.3 Who commissioned the independent valuation(s) of the land, what methodology was used, and does it reflect full development or “hope” value rather than merely its existing-use value?
This is a request for commercially sensitive information and therefore we will not be publishing this. However, we can confirm that the Charity Commission have reviewed this independent report with no concerns raised.
3.4 How will the trustees reconcile their duty to obtain the best price reasonably obtainable with any suggestion that land would be provided to the NHS at less than open-market value?
The trustees are unable to answer any questions regarding speculation on the price as this is commercially sensitive.
3.5 What independent financial analysis or investment advice has been taken to compare the long-term benefits of keeping the land and its income stream (e.g., the Pine Ridge lease) versus replacing it with a one-off capital receipt?
This was considered in detail by trustees with independent advice to ensure that any asset sale would comply with trustee obligations under the Charities Act. Whilst we are unable to give detail, we can confirm that the proposed asset sale would raise far more than the current income that could be received from the lease, which will remain at its current level until the next review in several years’ time.
3.6 What specific evidence underpins the charity’s public statement that a sale would generate greater long-term benefit for beneficiaries than continued ownership?
This is covered within confidential reports to trustee board meetings and explicitly within the Charities Act report to trustees.
3.7 Can you expand on the statement “All net proceeds received by the Charity from a future sale of land would remain within the Charity. These shall be used entirely to enable much needed extra funding “—in what ways will those funds be used?
Our intention is to increase significantly the funds available to community groups, charities and individuals tackling need, hardship and distress within our local community. At present, the sums available are limited but the need is much greater, and we wish to secure the long-term viability of many of these. The Charity has already established a Futures Group to begin reviewing the specifics and we intend to publish more detail of this in due course.
3.8 Will the land sale not be subject to Capital Gains tax, thereby negating any long-term financial income from investment?
The rules of Capital Gains taxation do not apply to this transaction.
3.9 Who are the beneficiaries of the Charity?
Beneficiaries are individuals living within post codes GU15 and GU16 experiencing poverty, need or distress as well as charities and community groups supporting such individuals. Members of the public using our land, while of course benefitting from that access, are not beneficiaries as defined by our constitution.
Added 3rd July 2026
3.10 How will any proceeds from a sale be managed, reported and used, and will the charity provide regular public reporting on how funds support local people, charities and community groups in line with its constitution?
Any proceeds from the sale of land will be designated capital and invested at low risk. Interest earned will be used to fund year by year grants and running costs. The Charity publishes audited Annual Accounts and Trustee Reports showing the use to which income has been put. Again, this is a statutory obligation and will continue unchanged. In addition, our website carries much information about the use to which funds are put including the list of local charities addressing the needs of vulnerable people within GU15 and GU16 that we have supported over recent years.
Added 8th July 2026
4. Conflicts of Interest and Internal Governance
4.1 Have any trustees, advisers, or individuals involved in these discussions declared a conflict of interest or loyalty (such as a personal interest as a resident or neighbour affected by development), and how have these conflicts been recorded and managed?
Declaration of interests are a standard item of our trustee board meetings and is laid out within our constitution as well as our internal standard operating procedures.
One trustee declared an interest as a member of the Pine Ridge golf club. This was considered by trustees and our legal advisor to be non-pecuniary and therefore they remained within discussions.
Another trustee has been absented from meetings and paperwork relating to development due to a conflict of interest (living in the immediate vicinity) and a conflict of loyalty with other duties that they undertake.
4.2 Can the trustees confirm that no trustee, and no person connected to a trustee, stands to receive any payment, benefit, or advantage of any kind (directly or indirectly from external parties) in connection with the proposed disposal?
Yes – No trustee or person connected with a trustee will benefit from any payment, benefit or advantage. We can also confirm that all trustees are volunteers and give their time without remuneration.
4.3 Have the trustees appointed a new Chair (given that the role was advertised as vacant)?
Not yet but we hope to do this in the near future and to announce this in due course.
4.4 Why are Heatherside Resident Association not represented on the Trustee Board or a specific youth trustee?
The general composition of the trustee board is determined by the constitution. Four trustees are appointed by Surrey Heath Borough Council; four trustees are appointed by specific Churches with the remaining trustees (up to 8 people) appointed by the Board from across Camberley and Frimley who either live in the GU15/16 postcode area or have established links therein. Our trustees come from a wide range of backgrounds and all trustees serve fixed terms of office with any reappointment subject to decision by the Board or their appointing body.
In any case, all trustees (regardless of appointing body) must by law, only act in the best interests of the charity as soon as they are appointed and must not act in the interests of their appointing body or anyone else.
Added 3rd July 2026
4.5 You have confirmed that no trustees will directly benefit from the land sale, does this include anyone who has recently ( in the past 3 years) resigned or left this role?
We can confirm that no trustee who has resigned or left the role in the last three years will directly benefit for the land sale.
Added 8th July 2026
4.6 Has anyone in the current or recently resigned trustee position been subject to any misconduct or allegations of misconduct?
No.
Added 8th July 2026
5. Environmental and Biodiversity Impacts
5.1 Please be more explicit about how this decision supports biodiversity.
The Local Planning Authority (LPA), who assess planning applications, require Biodiversity Net Gain information and approve Biodiversity Gain Plans before development can start.
5.2 Are the environmental benefits referenced in the Trust’s public statements merely aspirations and assumptions, or are they independently assessed outcomes and binding commitments that will form part of a future agreement?
These are matters that must be considered in detail within any future planning application and we therefore do not intend to comment further at this stage.
5.3 What formal or legal protections will be put in place to safeguard protected woodland, SANG public access, wildlife habitats, biodiversity and the environmental value of the remaining estate?
The current legal protections will remain in place, including access to the SANG and area of SNCI and in the event of a proposed change/improvement to the woodland, all the environmental approvals and Biodiversity Net Gain accreditations would have to be obtained, or it could not proceed.
6. Community Engagement, Infrastructure, and Consultation
6.1 What considerations have been given to the long-term loss of community land, community access, amenity value, and public health/wellbeing benefits versus the financial return?
As stated in the press release, no area currently open to the public on a permissive basis, such as the woods, will be affected by the agreement signed with the Hospital Trust. Other than the SANGS, community access to the non-golf areas of the site has been available because it is permitted by the trustees. There is no legal right of access.
6.2 How have trustees ensured their position remains completely neutral and that public statements do not predetermine outcomes pending full consultation?
The trustees have entered into a legal agreement with the trust. The current consultation being undertaken by the Trust is to aid any future planning application that they choose to make and we are not part of this.
6.3 Given that the RAAC deadline has moved to 2035, will the trustees promise not to enter into any option agreement, conditional contract, or binding commitment before taking full independent advice and consulting the community?
No – We have already entered into an agreement with the Trust having taken full independent advice, but this does not require community consultation.
6.4 Will the trustees consult the community of the Parish of Frimley openly before any decision to dispose of the land is made, and how can residents make formal representations?
No – We have already made that decision and entered into an agreement in accordance with the Charities Act. The disposal of land is a matter for the Charity and regulated by the Charity Commission who have raised no concern.
6.5 Are trustees planning to attend any of the upcoming public engagement meetings or pop-ups? If yes, which ones; if no, why not?
The consultation is being undertaken by the Trust and relates to its decision-making process about a possible hospital. We are not part of this process and therefore will not be formally attending although individual trustees may choose to attend in a personal capacity.
6.6 If trustees are not attending those existing events, what alternative plans do they have to engage directly with residents, locals, and the general public, or why are they choosing not to?
The decision of the charity trustees to dispose of land is a matter for the trustees as dictated by the Charity Commission. The Charity is legally obliged and must only act in the best interests of the charity rather than in the interests of anyone else. However, in the event of any specific future planning applications, there will be extensive opportunities for public consultation.
6.7 Could you advise when a formal public meeting with the trustees and their team can take place to ensure full transparency?
As we are a charity regulated by the Charity Commission rather than a political body, we will not be holding public meetings. However, we are happy to answer individual queries as they arise and publish the questions and answers.
6.8 Is the proposal compatible with the recently installed Esso Pipeline
The pipeline runs through a part of the site not affected by the proposed Trust purchase
6.9 A major concern with the proposal is the impact on the already congested road system, especially around the schools along the way
This is a question for the NHS Trust. The implications of the NHS Trust’s plans have raised understandable public concerns. The trust accepts its responsibility to come forward with solutions that are acceptable to the planning authority in order to obtain planning approval.
6.10 Why were neighbours to the land not considered or consulted prior to the announcement?
The Charity were under a non-disclosure agreement with the Trust and therefore were not legally able to comment outside agreed statements. In the event of a future planning application being submitted then there will be extensive public consultation. This is a question for the NHS Trust. The implications of the NHS Trust’s plans have raised understandable public concerns. The trust accepts its responsibility to come forward with solutions that are acceptable to the planning authority in order to obtain planning approval.
Added 3rd July 2026
6.11 What about local concerns such as potential loss of local property values, air quality, amenity space and traffic?
These are matters that would be considered by the relevant planning authority and any future application made by the Trust would need to satisfactorily address these in accordance with planning regulations.
Added 3rd July 2026
6.12 Is this not “common land”?
The Charity has owned the land since 1903 and is not common or designated land. The Charity has sold land on previous occasions including to build the Frimley Cottage Hospital. All the land was given to the Charity in order that we can address our charity objectives namely giving grants to those in extreme poverty, need and distress.
The current situation is that around half of our land is leased to Pine Ridge Golf Club which is only open to the paying public.
Access to the other half (woodland) is on a permissive basis but there is no legal right of access other than to the SANGS.
Added 3rd July 2026
6.13 What about the cost of infrastructure in the costings of a new hospital?
This is a matter for the Trust and not the Charity.
Added 3rd July 2026
6.14 What about the views of local politicians?
The views of local elected representatives play no part in the decision making of the Charity. The Board includes several current and former elected representatives from several different political parties but all trustees are obliged to act in the interests of the charity rather than representing any party-political viewpoint. The Charity itself is non-political; however, we will be happy to answer questions raised by local politicians by publishing these on the website.
Added 3rd July 2026
7. Future Plans for the Remaining Land
7.1 What do the trustees intend to do with the remaining 80 percent of the landholding, and is any of it also being eyed for future building development?
In relation to the SANGS and protected woodland, we can confirm that we will not be developing any of these.
In relation to the remaining land (13 holes, clubhouse and driving range) currently leased by Pine Ridge, the trustees will have exploratory discussions with relevant parties regarding potential options. However, the focus of the charity at this point has been to conclude discussions with the Trust which must first obtain planning permission before exercising its contract. Therefore, the Charity has not made any decisions regarding the long-term use of this land going forward.
It is already a matter of public knowledge that we have submitted the site for potential housing within the Local Plan as a precautionary measure, but this is not definitive and a variety of other options (including doing nothing) are also possibilities. It is likely to be some time before trustees come to a decision regarding this and any such decision will only be made after extensive legal, planning and financial advice and public engagement.
7.2 What would happen to the golf course if the Hospital goes ahead?
We have discussed this extensively with Crown Golf who have provided their own public statement. As these ongoing discussions are covered by commercial sensitivities, we cannot publish details of those discussions at this stage.
Added 3rd July 2026
7.3 What about alternative options to raise income such as a Friends scheme?
The requests we receive for funding assistance from individuals, community groups and other charities is growing significantly year on year. We have previously considered a wide range of possible options including a Friends scheme. While this may have raised some income through contributions by community members, this would not compare with the income achieved through the agreement made with the Trust, and therefore the amount of help we can give.
Added 3rd July 2026
7.4 What about the current SANGS?
The current SANGS is not part of the land being sought by the Trust and will remain as is. Any potential change to the current SANGS would have to be part of a future planning application and would be considered by the Local Planning Authority.
Added 3rd July 2026
7.4 What are the charity’s intentions for the remainder of the estate, and will the trustees recommit to maintaining it as publicly accessible green space, consistent with the historic community purpose for which the land was established in 1801?
The Charity will await the outcome of the Hospital Trust’s proposal and, in the meantime, will have discussions with interested parties as to the options if it succeeds. As explained above, we remain committed to allowing public access to our land as appropriate, but as per our statutory duty, our inherited obligation of using our assets best to ensure financial support for community groups and individuals in need, hardship or distress in the local area is paramount.
Added 8th July 2026
7.5 When will the charity publish an estate-wide plan, including maps, timescales, proposed uses for the remaining land, and any access, road, utility, parking, construction, drainage, mitigation or enabling works that could affect land outside the proposed hospital site?
With regard to land outside of the area identified by the Trust, we have no firm plans, and discussions are ongoing with our tenant. Should trustees consider at some future time that specific development options would be in the best interests of the Charity, the Public would be invited to comment through the usual Planning engagement processes.
Added 8th July 2026
7.5 What assessment have the trustees made of the impact of the proposed hospital development on the long-term viability of the remaining estate, including the future operation of Pine Ridge Golf Club?
Before entering into the current agreement with the hospital trust, the Charity assured itself (and taken professional advice) that its current income level will be secured and exceeded under various scenarios. In anticipation of the agreement progressing, we will be discussing with Crown Golf whether a continued presence is an option to be considered along with other options for the remainder of the site.
Added 8th July 2026
7.6 Will the trustees provide a cast iron public guarantee, supported by a clear, published mechanism, that the remaining land and assets will not be sold, leased, restricted or altered for further major development, whether for healthcare expansion, housing, infrastructure, commercial use or any other purpose that would result in additional loss of cherished green space?
This would be contrary to our statutory obligations to act in the best interests of the charity. However, we can confirm that the Charity can only use the land to fulfil the charity objectives as it has done historically for the last 120 years.
Added 8th July 2026
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