Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Frimley Fuel Allotments?
Frimley Fuel Allotments (FFA) is a large area of publicly owned green space in Frimley.
Despite the name, it is not allotments. The site currently consists of woodland, open green space, wildlife habitat, and a golf course, and has been used by the community for recreation and nature for generations.
Why is it called “Fuel Allotments”?
The name is historical, dating back to a time when land was allocated for fuel (such as wood) rather than food growing.
The name no longer reflects the land’s current use or character.
Why is this land important?
The land is important because it is:
- Established green space that cannot be quickly replaced
- Ecologically valuable, supporting wildlife and mature habitats
- A shared community asset used for walking, wellbeing, and recreation
- A natural buffer in an increasingly developed area
- Part of the local character and landscape
Once land like this is developed, it is lost permanently.
Is this campaign anti-hospital or anti-healthcare?
No.
The campaign fully recognises the importance of healthcare infrastructure and the pressures facing the NHS.
Protecting Frimley Fuel Allotments is not opposition to healthcare, but a call for transparent decision-making and for all viable alternatives to be properly assessed first.
This is about process, evidence, and long-term impact, not opposing hospitals or staff.
Are you saying a hospital should never be built on green space?
No.
The campaign’s position is that green space should be a last resort, not a starting point.
Before irreversible decisions are made, the public should be confident that:
- All reasonable alternatives have been fully assessed
- The evaluation criteria and weighting are transparent
- The reasons for rejecting other sites are clearly explained
Why shouldn’t this land be used if it’s publicly owned?
Public ownership does not remove the responsibility to:
- Protect environmental assets
- Consider long-term social and ecological consequences
- Ensure decisions are proportionate and transparent
Public land exists to serve the public interest — including future generations, not just immediate pressures.
Isn’t some development unavoidable given population growth?
Some development is unavoidable.
However, where and how development happens matters.
The campaign is asking whether:
- Brownfield, commercial, or previously developed land has been prioritised
- Environmental impact has been weighed against convenience
- Long-term consequences have been properly considered
These are reasonable questions, not obstruction.
Is this just NIMBYism?
No.
Many people involved do not live directly next to the site.
Support comes from residents across the area who value:
- Green space
- Wildlife
- Long-term planning
- Responsible land use
This is about principle, not proximity.
Is the campaign political?
No.
Frimley Fuel Allotments is not affiliated with any political party and is not a vehicle for party politics.
Supporters include people with a wide range of political views, united by concern for the land and the decision-making process.
Who is behind the campaign?
The campaign is community-led and volunteer-run.
It consists of:
- Local residents
- Families
- Walkers and users of the land
- People concerned about planning transparency and environmental protection
There are no corporate sponsors, party funders, or external backers.
Are you funded by any organisations?
No.
The campaign is volunteer-led and unfunded, aside from small, transparent costs such as website hosting or printed materials where applicable.
What does the campaign want to happen?
The campaign is asking for:
- Full transparency around site selection and assessment
- Clear publication of criteria, scoring, and reasoning
- Proper public engagement before irreversible decisions are made
- Protection of Frimley Fuel Allotments unless it is conclusively proven that no viable alternatives exist
Are you against development in general?
No.
The campaign supports responsible, evidence-led development.
It simply argues that protected green space should not be treated as expendable when other options may exist.
What about mitigation or replacement green space?
Mitigation cannot replace:
- Mature woodland
- Established ecosystems
- Long-standing community use
Newly planted green space is not equivalent to land that has developed naturally over decades.
Are hospital staff or NHS workers involved?
Hospital staff, NHS workers, and members of the public all hold a range of views.
The campaign does not claim to represent hospital staff, nor does it oppose them.
The focus is on land use, transparency, and long-term consequences, not workforce issues.
How can people get involved or learn more?
People can:
- Read the information on this website
- Ask questions via the contact page
- Share factual information
- Engage respectfully with local representatives
The campaign encourages informed discussion, not confrontation.
What is your bottom line?
Frimley Fuel Allotments should be protected unless and until it is clearly demonstrated — in public — that no viable alternatives exist and that development is genuinely unavoidable.