Policy information sourced from the Mole Valley Local Plan

S3: LEATHERHEAD TOWN CENTRE

The Leatherhead Town Centre is set out on the Policies Map. The Council will work with partners including Surrey County Council, the Coast-to-Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, the Environment Agency, other public sector agencies, the voluntary sector, landowners and private developers to:

1. Achieve a healthy and sustainable future for the commercial heart of the town by:

  • Encouraging a diverse mix of uses, where possible, including retail, offices, housing, food anddrink establishments, recreational and community spaces;
  • Promoting Leatherhead as a place to meet and socialise by, for example, facilitating aprogramme of town centre-based events that celebrate festivals and other civic occasionsand appeal to all ages;
  • Managing the environment in a way that is attractive, sustainable and welcoming; and,
  • Making access to the town centre easy and providing a balance between the different modesof transport and considering the needs of those with disabilities

2. Deliver the Transform Leatherhead programme, which comprises:

  • The creation of a Riverside Quarter, with a mixed use permission for Claire House and JamesHouse comprising leisure, retail and food and beverage uses at ground floor level, the creation of a Riverside Park that enhances the natural qualities and built heritage of the river corridor and reduces the risk of flooding in Leatherhead and Fetcham;
  • The mixed-use redevelopment of the Swan Centre according to site allocation DS47; and,
  • The creation of an Urban Quarter, with the redevelopment of the Bull Hill area according tosite allocation DS45

3. Ensure the distinctive character of Leatherhead Town Centre Conservation Area, as set out on the Policies Map, is conserved and, where possible, enhanced, having regard to the Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, such as:

  • The public realm, by ensuring the high quality specification and excellent maintenance ofstreet surfaces and street furniture, with Church Street as the template;
  • The built heritage assets, both designated and non-designated;
  • The townscape, by ensuring that new development respects the existing building lines andthe historic street pattern; and
  • The skyline, by ensuring that any new development that exceeds the typical heights ofexisting development is (i) of exceptional high-quality design; (ii) makes a positive contribution to the local and wider townscape; and (iii) delivers substantial housing and/or economic benefits

4. Provide the necessary infrastructure to:

  • Ensure public open space is retained or re-provided to the current extent on site and/or in asuitable alternative location and managed proactively to provide for a variety of leisure uses,including play space, public events and exercise;
  • Deliver a sustainable and well-maintained road network that reduces traffic congestion,improves air quality, reduces carbon emissions and increases road safety within LeatherheadTown Centre and the wider area;
  • Increase the opportunities for walking, cycling and using public transport, includingimplementing an Access for All scheme at Leatherhead station;
  • Ensure the amount of car parking is sufficient to sustain the vitality and viability of the towncentre; and,
  • Reduce flood risk in both Leatherhead and Fetcham

For more information please see the Mole Valley Local Plan