Policy information sourced from the Elmbridge Core Strategy
CS1 - Spatial Strategy
New development will be delivered in accordance with a clear spatial strategy which provides the most sustainable way to accommodate growth supported by high quality infrastructure, whilst respecting the unique character of the Borough and the local distinctiveness of individual settlements.
The Borough’s green infrastructure network, including the Green Belt and other open spaces within the urban area, will continue to be a key determinant in shaping settlements and development patterns in the future. The multi functional role of the network will continue to be protected and enhanced and the Council will work with partners to manage and expand sustainable networks of accessible green space and corridors to, and through, the urban area.
New development will be directed towards previously developed land within the existing built up areas, taking account of the relative flood risk of available sites, and the potential impact on Thames Basin Heaths. Location, use and scale will need to take account of the existing characteristics, role and function of individual settlements and sites; access to existing or committed services and infrastructure; and the availability of developable land. The settlements within Elmbridge fall within the following broad categories;
- Main settlement areas: Walton and Weybridge have been identified as the most sustainable locations within Elmbridge. They provide a broad range of uses and services, as well as opportunities to accommodate new development.
- Suburban settlement areas: Esher, Hersham, East and West Molesey, Hinchley Wood and the Dittons are primarily residential in character and provide a more limited range of uses and services. These areas are not as sustainable as Walton and Weybridge, but nevertheless have the capacity to accommodate new development in a sustainable manner.
- Service Centre and rural fringe area: Cobham, Oxshott, Stoke D’Abernon and Downside. Although the 4 settlements located within this area are distinctively different, they are intrinsically linked to Cobham with regards to service provision. The majority of new development within this area will be directed towards Cobham and its immediate environs as this is the most sustainable location.
- Suburban village: Claygate functions as a large village rather than a suburban area. Given the nature of the area, it offers very limited development opportunities.
Town and village centres will continue to be the focus for new development, providing a range of services in well designed environments that are accessible to everyone. The spatial strategy takes account of their respective roles and character and supports their vitality and viability within the context of a clear hierarchy detailed as follows;
| Centre hierarchy | Centre | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Town centre | Walton on Thames | Further town centre development will be encouraged where this adds to the overall vitality and viability of the centre; is of an appropriate scale; and makes a positive contribution to the significant environmental improvements that have and continue to take place in the town. |
| District Centres | Weybridge, Cobham, Esher, East Molesey and Hersham | Measures to safeguard and consolidate the role and function of the Borough’s district centres will be promoted. |
| Local Centres | Claygate, East Molesey Bridge Rd, Hinchley Wood, Oxshott, Oatlands, Thames Ditton, Walton Terrace Road, Walton Halfway and Weybridge Queens Road | The existing retail role and function of these local centres will be safeguarded and consolidated in order to provide easily accessible shopping and meet people’s day to day needs. These centres fulfill an important role and will be the focus for more accessible local services, such as small scale community facilities, but are not considered suitable for large scale developments. |
| Small Parades and Local Shops | The retention and provision of small parades and local shops will be promoted where they serve a local need. They can provide important and convenient facilities for Small Parades and Local Shops ‘top up’ shopping and are of significant importance to those who have limited access to the larger centres across the Borough. |
Dependant on the nature of employment to be provided, economic growth will be focused within the Borough’s town centres, strategic employment sites and in close proximity to the variety of visitor attractions the Borough has to offer.
The Council will work in partnership with public sector providers, utility companies and developers to ensure that local communities are supported by high quality infrastructure provided in the most sustainable locations and commensurate to the needs of different areas. To address the needs of the predicted additional population, specific programmes for the provision of new and enhanced infrastructure and services will be established to mitigate the impact of cumulative development and maintain the quality of life in each part of the Borough (See CS16-Social and Community Infrastructure and CS28 - Implementation and Delivery)
All new developments must be high quality, well designed and locally distinctive. They should be sensitive to the character and quality of the area, respecting environmental and historic assets and, where appropriate, introduce innovative contemporary designs that can positively improve local character.
For more information please see the Elmbridge Core Strategy