The town of Leatherhead, located just outside of the M25, is a quintessentially suburban neighbourhood of London, offering spacious semi-detached houses, a plethora of green open spaces, and fantastic access to central London (taking around 45 minutes) from the nearby Leatherhead station. With all of these characteristics, it is no surprise why this area is considered to be predominantly situated as a commuter town. Whilst this neighbourhood has a particular prevalence of industrial use buildings, a large number of which make up the headquarters of notable businesses, including Unilever, Robert Dyas, and CGI, it still proves to be a popular choice with residents. On a typical weekend, locals can enjoy a round of golf at either the Pachesham Park Golf Centre or the Leatherhead Golf Course, followed by a delicious Thai fusion meal at The Plough. Alternatively, individuals, both young and old, may wish to partake in horse riding, whether for leisure or competition, at the nearby Pachesham Equestrian Centre. And for those who are passionate about art, the Fire and iron Gallery, situated in the outbuildings of a beautiful listed house, is world-renowned for being the best place to see (and buy) the finest metal artworks. When all of this is considered alongside its affordability relative to the rest of London, it is no surprise why this neighbourhood is an increasingly sought-after area!

Leatherhead station, initially opened in 1867, is a grade II listed building, which is due in part to its particularly interesting architectural style. This wasn’t the only station that was built here however, as another station existed just 800 metres away from the one that can be seen today. This was because of two different train lines/companies operating in the Leatherhead area: one went to Victoria/London Bridge, and the other terminated in Waterloo. The other station was closed in 1927, and for a number of years after, the area was used for carriage sidings. As the station became more and more derelict during the 1980s, the old line was removed, leaving only the steps up from road to platform level.

In 1248, due to the developing agricultural economy in the town, the area was allowed to hold a weekly market and annual fair, permission for which was given by Henry III.

Local people are currently in dispute with the council over their plans to close the Dorking recycling centre, which would result in the Leatherhead waste site gaining approximately 1,500 extra visits per week. The main worry of residents is the impact that these extra visits will have on the amount of traffic driving on the A245, which is used to access the site. This is part of a wider concern for the already high levels of traffic on this road, often made worse by traffic incidents on the nearby M25.

Residents have been encouraged by the council’s proposals for regeneration schemes in three key areas of Leatherhead. The projects are laid out in the Mole Valley Master Plan which confirms that new Riverside, Urban, as well as Retail and Leisure quarters are in development. The first riverside area will see the creation of a new park between Thorncroft bridge and Leatherhead Bridge, on top of a new mixed-use building with retail and visitor facilities on the ground floor. As far as a new retail quarter is concerned the main change will be the transformation of the Swan Shopping Centre, modernising the public space while providing additional space for different types of shop, new residential units and a roof garden. This will be joined by additional public realm and accessibility improvements on the High Street and nearby Church Street. Finally, the proposed urban quarter focuses on the area of land framed by the one-way system known as Bush Hill which comprises residential units, new community space, and office space.