Cranleigh Village Health Trust (CVHT) has sold the land it owns in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh, known locally as “The Paddock”, to Waverley Borough Council.
We understand the council intends to use the land in connection with the proposed development of the new leisure centre and for wider community purposes.
As part of the agreement, a document (known as an overage agreement) has been included to protect the community’s future interests. If the land is sold on or developed for residential or commercial use within the next twenty years, the Trust, or a nominated organisation, will receive a share of any increase in its value.
Why the Trust was created
Cranleigh Village Health Trust was established more than twenty-five years ago. Its original aim was to help provide hospital or care beds in Cranleigh after these services were removed from the village hospital.
Over the years, the Trust explored several ways to achieve this, including proposals to build a hospital or care home on the Paddock. However, changes in NHS policy and planning decisions prevented these plans from proceeding.
As a result, the Trust has been unable to fulfil its original purpose.
Proposed next steps
Following the sale of the Paddock, the Trust expects to hold funds of around £250,000.
The Trustees now propose to wind up the charity and distribute the remaining funds to organisations that support health, wellbeing and community care in Cranleigh and the surrounding area.
Before this can happen, the Trust must obtain approval from the Charity Commission.
How the funds could be used
The Trust’s governing document states that, when the charity closes, any remaining funds must be used for charitable purposes that are the same as, or similar to, the Trust’s original aims, or in such other manner consistent with charitable status as the Charity Commission approve in writing in advance. These relate broadly to improving health, supporting people who are ill, and promoting public health in Cranleigh and nearby communities.
This could involve transferring funds to other charities with similar purposes, supporting organisations that provide health services, or making grants to projects that improve the physical or mental wellbeing of local residents.
The Trustees propose using this option to make a series of grants and donations to local charities and community organisations before formally dissolving the charity.
Organisations being considered
Subject to Charity Commission approval, the Trustees are currently considering grants to organisations including Cranleigh & District Lions Club, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, Rowleys Centre for the Community, Cranleigh Heritage Trust, Knowle Park Trust, Surrey Hills Rehab, SMART Cranleigh, and others.
In each case, grants would be designated for projects specifically for local people.
The Trustees are also open to suggestions for other suitable organisations.
Additionally, it is proposed that the future rights under the overage agreement linked to the Paddock sale are transferred to the League of Friends of Cranleigh Village Hospital.
Community consultation
Before submitting a formal request to the Charity Commission, the Trustees would like to hear the views of local residents and community groups on these proposals.
Anyone who would like to comment or suggest additional organisations that might benefit is invited to email their feedback by 30th April 2026 to feedback@cranleighhealthtrust.org.
The Trustees will carefully consider all responses before submitting a final proposal to the Charity Commission.