Overview
- The designation under Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act was signed by Security Minister Dan Jarvis, made on September 4, laid before Parliament on September 8, and came into force on Sunday.
- The restricted area spans about 150 acres with a 2.3-mile perimeter, with new signage, CCTV, extensive wooden fencing, landscaping, tree planting and buried wiring being installed to deter incursions and improve privacy.
- Cranbourne Gate and its paid car park have been permanently closed, with other access points including Sandpit Gate, Woodend Gate and South Forest also shut to the public.
- Home Office plans list Forest Lodge as a new residence on Crown Estate land, with the boundary agreed by Thames Valley Police and the Royal Household, and Windsor Great Park posted notices informing members of the changes.
- Local residents have protested the loss of access and short notice, though some accept the security rationale, as the Wales family prepare to move to Forest Lodge later in 2025 with renovations reported to be privately funded and market rent paid.