Some current updates in and around Leatherhead town centre. 27 April 2024
Having vacated Park House and moved the community alarm and other staff to more suitable accommodation at Pippbrook, MVDC has a short term flexible commercial letting opportunity in Leatherhead pending wider redevelopment of Bull Hill. https://www.hsedwards.co.uk/details/0030246_Park_House_Randalls_Road_LeatherheadWith planning consent for residential conversion in place and for bringing the shopfront forward again, the owners of this property in Bridge Street are marketing it freehold. (Christies Residential relocated to Fetcham)If you can’t wait for the new enlarged Greggs in High Street to open there is now a concession inside Kingscroft service station Kingston Road as part of their improvements with EV charging and ATM. Morrisons Daily and Costa remain the other concessions there plus another convenience shop, takeaway and Buckley pharmacy on the adjacent parade. The two minor planning applications by McDonald’s around signage and shopfront for 9-17 Church Street remain open for comments by 2 and 15 May respectively. No permission for change of use is to restaurant is required and the landlord has already arranged permission for additional takeaway use. Only comments made via the planning system can be considered by the officers at MVDC. The historic environment (conservation) officer has already made some suggestions on how the shopfront proposal could be improved which the planning officers can consider with the applicant. Comparison with McDonald’s premises in other historic town and city locations eg Bath, Oxford, Salisbury show that they have adapted their standard shopfront design on occasion
The condition of the paving in the part pedestrian High Street is noticeably deteriorating- this is the responsibility of Surrey County Council. One or two minor defects have been corrected but it seems to be becoming less stable. In addition the rendering at the so called waterless feature, also SCC responsibility is once again becoming an issue. https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roadworks-and-maintenance/report-a-highway-problem
Those who may not venture into the town in the evenings might want to note that it is still possible to park on-street if you can find a spot between the vans (possibly Travelodge guests) and residents vehicles. Off street parking also free after 6pm.
Surrey Police are the landowner of the above property and their spokesperson told us recently “With regards to the sale of Stokes House, we continue to assess offers as part of our long-term strategic plan for our wider estate.”
Also to once again highlight the funding available for local community and church halls to improve their premises- please do draw this to the attention of your church, local hall management etc. Grants to help improve disability access and kitchens, bathrooms etc may also be available from other funds. As at Leatherhead Parish Church hall above.
UKSPF Community Hall Energy Efficiency Grants Scheme
Community and village halls in Mole Valley have the opportunity to apply for capital grant funding to help reduce energy requirements, and therefore costs, associated with that building.
The funding window is now open for online applications until 5pm on Wednesday 15 May 2024.
Interested parties can now apply for a share of the £120,000 grant total, available via the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The funding is designed for the installation of measures to improve the energy efficiency of a building, including – but not limited to – increasing insulation, a heat pump, solar panels, a new boiler and electric water heaters.
Leatherhead Living 