Plans in for 480-home Leatherhead regeneration

A planning application for up to 480 new homes and a revamped shopping centre in Leatherhead, Surrey, has been submitted to Mole Valley District Council (MVDC).

The Leret Partnership, a joint venture between MVDC and developer Kier Property, has proposed a new neighbourhood with 40% affordable housing on two brownfield sites in Bull Hill, located between Leatherhead Station and the high street.

While detailed plans for the northeast section of Bull Hill have been lodged, including 276 of the total number of homes, the remainder of the proposals for the area are in outline only.

If approved, the TP Bennett-designed development will mean the delivery of new office space, a potential new GP surgery, a multi-storey car park and improved pedestrian and cycling links.

Plans also include £12m worth of improvements to the Swan Centre designed by architect Corstorphine & Wright, including four new restaurant and café spaces, updated shopfronts for the existing units, a new three-screen cinema and an enhanced central square for markets and community events.

The entire scheme is expected to deliver around £9m in developer contributions, which will help fund infrastructure and community improvements.

The planning application has recently been validated and will now be subject to a 30-day statutory consultation run by MVDC, where local residents can submit their feedback on the proposals.

These form part of the council’s Transform Leatherhead initiative, aimed at revitalising the town centre.

Keira Vyvyan-Robinson, cabinet member for property and projects at MVDC, described the project as a “real step forward in boosting Leatherhead’s unique position as the gateway to the Surrey Hill.”

Leigh Thomas, group managing director for Kier Property, said: “Through comprehensive engagement with stakeholders and the community, including a ‘Community Design Review Panel’, we have shaped proposals that are robust, deliverable and aligned with the town’s long-term transformation.”