Dunsfold Park: Your Comprehensive Guide

Dunsfold Park, a prominent site nestled in the heart of Surrey, South East England, is more than just a location on a map; it's a dynamic hub with a rich history and an evolving future. Known for its strategic position and diverse activities, understanding its exact whereabouts and what it offers is key for visitors, businesses, and local residents alike. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through its precise location, how to access it, the significant developments shaping its landscape, and the amenities you can expect to find there.

Where Exactly is Dunsfold Park Located?

Dunsfold Park enjoys a highly accessible location in the picturesque county of Surrey, within the South East of the United Kingdom. Specifically, it's situated near the historic town of Guildford, making it conveniently reachable from major arterial routes. Motorists will find it a short and straightforward drive from the M25 motorway, the A3, and the A24, ensuring excellent connectivity to London, the South Coast, and other parts of the UK. This prime positioning makes Dunsfold Park a highly attractive destination for various events, businesses, and future residential developments.

For those relying on satellite navigation systems, the most accurate address to use is 107 Perimeter Rd, Cranleigh GU6 8TB. However, it's crucial to note that Dunsfold Park is a vast site with multiple entrances. The specific entrance required for your particular event or visit will typically be detailed on your booking confirmation. For even greater precision, especially given the expansive nature of the site, the What3Words address ///adopt.outboard.reason is highly recommended, guiding you directly to the main vicinity of Dunsfold Park.

Dunsfold Park vs. Dunsfold Village: Clarifying the Distinction

It's important to differentiate between Dunsfold Park and the nearby village of Dunsfold, as they are distinct entities, albeit geographically close. Dunsfold village is a charming, traditional English village located within the borough of Waverley, also in Surrey. It lies approximately 8.7 miles (14 kilometres) south of Guildford, nestled within the Weald region and reaching the southern escarpment of the Greensand Ridge in its northern parts. The village itself boasts historical significance, encompassing sections of the Wey and Arun Canal, and sharing just under half of the expansive Dunsfold Aerodrome with the neighbouring village of Alfold.

While Dunsfold Park is historically linked to the aerodrome and shares its name with the village, it operates as a dedicated business and event complex, now undergoing significant transformation. The distinction is vital for navigation and understanding the specific context of any information related to "Dunsfold." When planning a visit, always ensure you are directing yourself to Dunsfold Park, rather than the residential village, to avoid any confusion.

Navigating Your Way to Dunsfold Park

Given the size and nature of Dunsfold Park, traditional postcode navigation can sometimes lead to general areas rather than specific entrances. To ensure a seamless journey, the proprietors strongly advise using the What3Words system. For direct access to the main site, the What3Words ///estimated.essay.quite is the recommended identifier, providing pinpoint accuracy that standard postcodes often cannot match for large complexes.

Should you prefer a traditional address for reference or printable directions, the full postal details for Dunsfold Park are as follows:

Dunsfold Park Ltd, Dunsfold Park, Canada Avenue, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8TB 

Always double-check any specific instructions provided by event organisers or business contacts at Dunsfold Park, as they may direct you to a particular gate or parking area within the vast premises.

The Future of Dunsfold Park: The Garden Village Project

Dunsfold Park is currently at the epicentre of a significant and transformative development project: the Dunsfold Park Garden Village. This ambitious undertaking, which has been in discussion and planning for well over a decade, aims to create a substantial new settlement on the site of the former aerodrome. The journey towards this development has been protracted, stretching from 2009 to 2021 without a single spade yet breaking ground, highlighting the complexities and extensive consultations involved in such large-scale projects.

A Vision for 2,600 New Homes

Originally conceived as a "Garden Village" with a proposal for 1,800 new homes, the plans have since been expanded. The local authority, 'Your Waverley', has now approved a new Dunsfold Park Garden Village Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which fast-tracks the planning application process. The revised outline now proposes to increase the allocation to a substantial 2,600 new homes. This expansion comes with ongoing discussions about the final appearance and how new owners will envision its development, particularly given the site's history and its surrounding rural landscape.

Ownership Transition and Planning Framework

The Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government (MHCLG) granted Dunsfold Park new settlement "Garden Village" status in 2019. In early 2021, a significant change occurred when Waverley Council was informed that the then-current owner, Trinity College Cambridge, intended to dispose of the site. This disposal programme was ongoing, with the expectation that a new owner would be in place by the end of 2021. This change in circumstance prompted Waverley Council to produce the SPD to support the policies of the local plan, setting out clear expectations and a vision for the site, aligning with its garden village status and providing guidance for a masterplan framework.

Allies and Morrison LLP were commissioned to undertake the detailed work for this SPD. The document is designed to establish a strategic, sustainable masterplan framework for the timely delivery of the garden village, building upon existing Local Plan policies and the agreed corporate vision for the site. Crucially, it aims to adhere to established garden village principles, supported by a detailed design code section that will provide guidance for creating an innovative, sustainable, and high-quality place for future residents, visitors, and employers.

Potential Impacts and Infrastructure Challenges

The scale of the Dunsfold Park Garden Village development is significant, and its potential impact on the surrounding areas is a major point of discussion. The project is anticipated to affect everyone in the eastern villages of Waverley, particularly Alfold and Dunsfold villages themselves, as well as those along the A281, including Bramley, and all roads leading out of Cranleigh towards Horsham, Ewhurst, Shamley Green, and Wonersh. It will also impact the Surrey/Sussex border villages of Ellens Green and Rudgwick.

A primary concern revolves around traffic and infrastructure. The Dunsfold development alone could lead to a minimum of 4,000-5,000 more cars utilising the already busy A281 Guildford to Horsham Road and the roads into Cranleigh, where existing bridges have yet to be widened to accommodate increased traffic flow. This raises questions about the capacity of the current road network to absorb such a substantial increase in vehicles without significant congestion and environmental impact.

Proposed Benefits for the New Community

Despite the challenges, the proposed Dunsfold Park Garden Village is also envisioned to bring a range of benefits to its future residents and the wider area. These include the provision of essential community infrastructure. Plans outline the establishment of a dedicated bus service, a new school to serve the growing population, local shops to cater to daily needs, and, subject to agreement from health authorities, a new medical practice. These amenities aim to create a self-sufficient and thriving community, reducing the need for residents to travel significant distances for basic services.

The development proposes some four-storey buildings, which is a departure from the typical rural landscape and has been a point of contention for some local groups.

Community Engagement and Concerns

The development has naturally generated considerable debate and community engagement. A consultation period was held from Monday 15th November to Monday 13th December (in 2021), utilising various tools to gather public feedback. These included direct letters to adjacent residents, exhibitions near Dunsfold Park, facilitated workshops, webinars with Q&A sessions, recorded presentations on the Waverley website, advisory group meetings (including local Parish Councils), and extensive use of press releases and social media updates.

During these consultations, several key concerns were raised by residents and local councillors:

• Cumulative Effect: Concerns were voiced about the cumulative impact of Dunsfold Park's development combined with other ongoing or proposed applications and appeals in nearby villages like Alfold, potentially leading to an even greater increase in housing numbers across the region.
• Local Benefits: There was apprehension that the development might not provide sufficient benefits to the immediately adjacent villages, with some feeling that developers might base the lack of such benefits on the Dunsfold Park application itself.
• Shopping Area Size: Questions were raised regarding the adequacy of the proposed shopping area, with some suggesting it appeared "tiny" in the plans relative to the size of the new settlement.
• Cohesive Development: With the possibility of multiple developers involved, there were worries about ensuring a cohesive and integrated development, including the timely provision of promised shops, medical centres, and schools.
• Visual Impact: The proposal for four-storey developments in close proximity to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) sparked significant concern regarding visual intrusion and the preservation of the landscape's character.
• "Garden Village" Misnomer: A strong point of contention was the very title "Dunsfold Park Garden Village," which many opponents argued was a misnomer. Traditional garden villages are characterised by lower densities and ample green spaces between buildings, allowing for large trees and a more organic, less formal arrangement. Critics suggested the proposed modern housing estate layouts bore no resemblance to the historic garden village ideal, citing examples like Poundbury in Dorset as a true representation of the concept.

Environmental Considerations

Before the adoption of the SPD, a crucial assessment regarding environmental impact was undertaken. It was concluded that the adoption of the SPD would not likely give rise to significant effects on several Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in the Waverley area. These include the Thursley, Hankley & Frensham Commons (Wealden Heaths Phase 1) SPA, the Thursley, Ash, Pirbright & Chobham SAC, the Ebernoe Common SAC, and The Men’s SAC. Consequently, an Appropriate Assessment was deemed not required.

However, before the SPD's final adoption, the determination of the need for assessment under Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) must be subject to consultation with Natural England. This vital step is integrated into the broader public consultation process, ensuring environmental safeguards are thoroughly considered.

Amenities and Services at Dunsfold Park

Beyond its future as a garden village, Dunsfold Park currently offers a range of practical amenities and services, catering to both businesses operating within the park and the general public. One notable service is its MOT testing facility.

MOT Testing Centre

Dunsfold Park hosts a comprehensive MOT testing station capable of accommodating various vehicle types. They provide MOT tests for standard cars and light commercial vehicles. In a recent expansion of their services, they have also opened a dedicated motorcycle MOT station, making it a convenient one-stop shop for vehicle compliance checks. The centre aims to accommodate appointment requests even at short notice, and enquiries can be made by calling 01483 275 971.

On-Site Comforts: Cafe and Wi-Fi

For visitors waiting whilst their vehicle undergoes an MOT test, or for those simply working or visiting the park, Dunsfold Park offers convenient amenities. A cafe is located a short walk from the MOT premises, where light refreshments can be purchased. This provides a comfortable spot for a break or a quick bite. Furthermore, for the convenience of all visitors, Dunsfold Park provides free Wi-Fi access. This allows individuals to stay connected, work remotely, or simply browse the internet while on-site, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dunsfold Park

Q: What is the best way to navigate to Dunsfold Park?

A: The most accurate way to navigate to Dunsfold Park is by using the What3Words system. The recommended What3Words address for direct access to the main site is ///estimated.essay.quite. While a postcode (GU6 8TB) is available, it may not guide you directly to the specific entrance you need due to the park's large size.

Q: Is Dunsfold Park the same as Dunsfold village?

A: No, Dunsfold Park is a large business and event complex, formerly an aerodrome, located near the village of Dunsfold. Dunsfold village is a separate, traditional residential area, though they share a name and close proximity.

Q: What kind of development is planned for Dunsfold Park?

A: Dunsfold Park is planned to become a "Garden Village" with a proposed 2,600 new homes. This development also includes plans for new infrastructure such as a dedicated bus service, a school, shops, and potentially a medical practice.

Q: Who currently owns Dunsfold Park?

A: In early 2021, the previous owner, Trinity College Cambridge, sought to dispose of the site. A new owner was expected to be in place by the end of 2021, following an ongoing disposal programme. Specific details of the current owner might require checking recent public records.

Q: Will the new Dunsfold Park development affect local traffic?

A: Yes, it is anticipated that the development could lead to a minimum of 4,000-5,000 more cars using local roads, particularly the A281 Guildford to Horsham Road and roads into Cranleigh, raising concerns about potential congestion and the need for infrastructure upgrades.

Q: Does Dunsfold Park offer Wi-Fi access?

A: Yes, Dunsfold Park provides free Wi-Fi for the convenience of its visitors and those waiting at the MOT testing centre or utilising the cafe.

Q: What types of vehicles can get an MOT at Dunsfold Park?

A: The MOT testing station at Dunsfold Park provides services for cars, light commercial vehicles, and has a dedicated station for motorcycles.

Conclusion

Dunsfold Park stands as a significant and evolving location in Surrey, UK, offering a blend of current services and ambitious future plans. Its strategic accessibility, coupled with the ongoing development of the Dunsfold Park Garden Village, marks it as a site of considerable regional importance. While the development promises new community infrastructure, it also brings forth crucial discussions regarding environmental impact, traffic management, and the preservation of local character. Whether you are visiting for an event, utilising its automotive services, or following its transformation, Dunsfold Park remains a key point of interest in the South East.

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