Updated 2 June 2023

We are aware of concerns about the potential redevelopment of Hersham Shopping Centre and thank you for the comments sent in via postcard and email. In the below we would like to respond to the concerns expressed.

Hersham shopping centre development

The owner of the Hersham Shopping Centre has expressed interest in redevelopment and residents will be aware of their previous consultation on these plans. We understand these plans are being revised.

Residents are aware that Hersham Green Shopping Centre and car park have been identified in the draft Local Plan for Elmbridge. However, inclusion in the draft Local Plan does not mean development will happen and any applications will go through the same process as any other application in Elmbridge.

Currently there are no planning application for this site. If a planning application does come forward, Hersham residents will have the opportunity to respond, as they can do with other planning applications.

Why does the draft Local Plan allocate 200 homes to this site?

When considering site capacity, the development potential of each site is estimated based on a range of factors outlined by national planning policy, including the shape and access of the site plus the nature of the area, including its historic context.

This development will negatively impact the roads around me

The draft Local Plan has sustainability at its heart and seeks to place more responsibility with developers to ensure they are creating connections to community facilities, for example, they may need to work with Highways on a zebra crossing to allow access to a play area or they may need to consider cycle path access. The draft Local Plan allows us to consider the needs of our residents first and foremost.

Planned, sustainable and controlled development through the Local Plan, allows us to work with our partners at Surrey County Council and Surrey Highways to always consider the impact of development on roads, as well as other infrastructure elements such as school places and access to medical centres.

It is also clear that our future, not just in Elmbridge but around the country, has to include more sustainable travel including walking and cycling.

I am worried about the character of my area.

The draft Local Plan is the implementation tool which will help to protect the character of the borough. It is based on the needs of our borough rather than focussing on targets. Through the design code principles in the Plan, we can ensure housing development in the borough has quality and sustainability, as well as curb appeal.

The Plan allows us to develop our town centres into vibrant hubs designed around the needs of our residents, incorporating retail and entertainment options. For our industrial estates, the Plan shows a vision to make these more appealing for companies and employees, considering the move to more hybrid working practices and the shift away from large and expensive city office development. Through the Plan, we can foster growth in a controlled way.

The Plan also seeks to bring more connectivity to the borough through walking and cycling paths, to allow the school run for example to leave the car at home and instead walk or cycle safely – also improving physical and mental health.

How do I have my say on the plans for Hersham Shopping Centre?

If a planning application does come forward, Hersham residents will have the opportunity to respond, as they can do with other planning applications.

In June 2022, there was a 6-week representation on the draft Local Plan for Elmbridge.

The Elmbridge draft Local Plan is on track to be submitted or examination by the Planning Inspectorate by summer 2023.

More information on the draft Local Plan