Frimley Fuel Allotments Petition Passes 6,000 Signatures as Community Opposition Grows

A community petition calling for the protection of Frimley Fuel Allotments from development has passed 6,000 verified signatures, underlining the scale and momentum of local opposition to proposals that could see the historic green space sold for development.

The petition, hosted on change.org, was launched by the Heatherside Ward Residents Association in December and has continued to attract new signatories at a steady pace. Supporters come from across Frimley, Heatherside, Deepcut, Camberley, Bisley and surrounding areas, reflecting the site’s wide community value rather than concern limited to immediate neighbours.

Campaigners say the growing number of signatures demonstrates that Frimley Fuel Allotments is viewed not simply as undeveloped land, but as a long-standing community and environmental asset whose loss would be permanent.

A rare remnant of historic Frimley Common

Frimley Fuel Allotments is the last publicly accessible remnant of the historic Frimley Common, enclosed nearly 200 years ago specifically for the benefit of the poor of Frimley. Today, the land consists of mature woodland, heathland, wildlife habitat and the Pine Ridge Golf Course, and is protected by a Woodland Tree Preservation Order.

Residents use the area daily for walking, running, recreation and quiet enjoyment away from major roads. It is also home to protected species including badgers and adders, with supporters highlighting that such established ecosystems cannot be recreated elsewhere.

Concerns over proposed development

It is alleged that the charity trustees of Frimley Fuel Allotments are considering the sale of the land for development, with options reportedly including a relocation site for Frimley Park Hospital or a large-scale housing scheme of more than 1,000 homes.

Opponents argue that either proposal would permanently destroy the green space and fundamentally change the character of the area. They also question whether the sale would be consistent with the charity’s original purpose and long-term stewardship responsibilities.

According to the charity’s published accounts, income from the Pine Ridge Golf Course lease has exceeded expenditure for several consecutive years. Campaigners argue this undermines claims that selling the land is financially necessary to meet charitable aims.

Infrastructure and safety fears

A recurring theme among petition supporters is concern about infrastructure and safety. Roads surrounding the site are already heavily congested at peak times, and there is currently no direct water, sewage or power infrastructure serving the land.

Residents point to the proximity of multiple primary and secondary schools, warning that increased traffic would heighten risks for children and worsen local air quality. Making the site viable for major development, they argue, would require extensive road widening and new infrastructure with long-term consequences for the surrounding community.

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone”

Supporter comments on the petition consistently frame Frimley Fuel Allotments as an irreplaceable space. Many describe its role in mental wellbeing, access to nature, and the ability to experience seasonal change without traffic or urban noise.

One local resident wrote that the woodland is “an absolute haven for wildlife”, while another described it as “therapeutic” and a safe place to walk without traffic. Others stress the importance of preserving the land not only for current residents, but for future generations.

What the petition calls for

The petition calls on the trustees of the Frimley Fuel Allotments charity to reject any sale of the land for development and to preserve it as a protected natural asset in community hands.

With over 6,000 verified signatures — and a target of 7,500 now in sight — campaigners say the message is clear: Frimley Fuel Allotments is valued far beyond its commercial potential, and decisions about its future must reflect its environmental, historical and social significance.

As scrutiny of development proposals intensifies, the petition’s growth adds to wider calls for transparency, accountability and long-term thinking when it comes to land that, once lost, cannot be replaced.