All three local residents’ groups have joined forces to form a Steering Committee to examine all aspects of the proposed redevelopment of Hersham Green Shopping Centre.

The developers have been considering their proposals for over 2 years and they have said that a Planning Application will shortly be submitted to Elmbridge Borough Council.

3 schemes have been suggested, none of which seem to us to be appropriate to a village setting. The first was wholesale demolition, then fewer shops and 200+ homes. The second and third are very similar to each other and involve demolition of half the shopping centre to provide limited parking, and 108 residential units with limited car parking spaces filling the existing large car park.

The developers have indicated that they are reviewing all matters.
Whilst this may be welcome news of itself, it is very important to state that we do not yet know if there will be any material changes to the plans as they affect the businesses of Hersham. It seems very possible that any changes will only relate to the residential element of the scheme and that the plans with regard to the retail and car parking will remain the same. If this is the case, then the following should be noted:

• The Waitrose car park will be developed with 108 residential units with only 52 private car spaces
• Much of the south side of The Centre will be demolished, resulting in the loss of approximately 50% of our
  successful, local and long term independent retailers.
• The public conveniences will be demolished with no replacement.
• The current car park with a combined capacity of 276 will be reduced to 134, including the Council car park in New Berry Lane.
• All surveys indicate that the new car park will be grossly inadequate.
• There is extremely limited on street parking in the area, which is incapable of taking any more demand.
• To date, we have been unable to ascertain the future of Waitrose, bearing in mind the lease comes to an end in March 2025. The loss of this key tenant would be deeply worrying.

These issues will have a profound effect on all the businesses of Hersham, especially those based in

• The Green,
• Pleasant Place,
• Molesey Road,
• Burwood Road
• Queens Road

We all know that local shops, cafes, professional practices and all those trading within the immediate area rely on the existing car parking arrangements, which are key to the vitality and continuing success of all businesses here.

It is not an exaggeration to say that should planning permission be granted for the development, then the viability of many businesses is at best uncertain and at worst catastrophic. Furthermore, the blight during construction will be significant.

It is hoped all business have been considering these issues. We as a group will continue to do all we can to spread facts and information to
everyone affected by the scheme.

In the meantime, if you have any matters you wish to discuss, please email your question to planning@hershamvillagesociety.org.uk giving your contact details.

One of our team will be happy to explain the issues as we see them.