Council could sell land for developers' homes plan

The piece of land is next to the Hersham Technology Park

A piece of council-owned land described as "a bit like a dog's loo" could be sold to developers as part of a plan for new homes.

Berkeley Homes is looking to transform Hersham Technology Park, and aims to submit a planning application this year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Cabinet members of Elmbridge Borough Council have agreed to progress negotiations to sell a triangular piece of land next to the site.

Members said the land next to the office block and the Hersham bypass was not "an area of particular beauty".

Councillor Caroline James said: "It's a bit like a dog's loo."

Selling the land will only be signed off once Berkeley Homes has full planning permission to develop the site.

Although potential benefits are subject to future discussions, the authority said they could include relocating GP and library services closer to the heart of the village.

Councillors discussed there being "an overwhelming need" for a new doctor's surgery in Hersham and that the technology park could be a good, central location.

In a public consultation only 1% of the population responded, with just over half of those objecting to the idea of selling the land to be part of the development.

Ward councillor John O'Reilly pointed out there was a "great anxiety and apprehension" from residents because of a "triple whammy" of planning.

He listed the Hersham shopping centre development, plans for the Hersham Golf Club site for at least 200 homes, and now the technology park for up to 300 homes.