Thousands object to homes plan

Retail units including independent shops and Waitrose are based in Hersham Green Shopping Centre

A final planning decision on the redevelopment of a north Surrey shopping centre and car park site is due on Wednesday.

Under the proposals by Quadrant Repurpose, there would be a six-storey senior living accommodation on the site of Hersham Green Shopping Centre.

Elmbridge Borough Council has received 2,940 letters of objection including from three residents associations, a business group and Waitrose, which has a supermarket in the centre.

Quadrant said the scheme would build new homes for Hersham and deliver substantial improvements.

There are 270 car parking spaces for residents and visitors, but the number would be reduced if the scheme goes ahead

The plans, which were submitted in March 2024, include 109 senior living apartments, a supermarket and commercial floorspace in the shopping centre.

There would be 128 parking bays for visitors, which is a reduction of 142 from the number available at the moment.

Campaigners are unhappy about the size and height of the development and the loss of car parking spaces, which they say would have an impact on a school drop-off and people accessing a doctor's surgery.

Susan Mealor, from the Save Hersham Centre group, said: "This will result in a loss of trade for Waitrose and other retailers and undermine the vitality and viability of the shopping centre and Hersham town centre in general.”

'Naturally disappointed'

Planning officers at Elmbridge have recommended councillors do not approve the scheme due to a lack of affordable housing and not mitigating the loss of parking.

A spokesperson for Quadrant said it was "naturally disappointed" the application had been recommended for refusal "despite over two years of engagement" with the council and two rounds of public consultation.

They said the site was earmarked for 100 new homes in Elmbridge’s emerging Local Plan and Quadrant had followed a "rigorous process" with planning officers and "engaged extensively" with the local community.

"The scheme will build new homes for Hersham and deliver substantial improvements, transforming the shopping centre and safeguarding its long-term future," they added.