Development of 400 homes could 'save dying town'

A controversial 400-home development is the best way to save Leatherhead from "dying", a councillor has said.

The comments came during a debate at Mole Valley District Council over the proposed Bull Hill regeneration scheme, which has faced opposition from some residents.

Independent councillor Gerry Sevenoaks raised concerns about traffic and lengthy building works and said some of the financial and community benefits originally put forward had been reduced.

Councillors defending the scheme said there was a strong silent majority in favour of the scheme and it was not raised as a major issue by residents during the local elections, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Liberal Democrat councillor Claire Malcomson said: "Whatever happens it will improve Leatherhead because Leatherhead, as mentioned, is a dying town, and it needs improvement.

"It needs more housing to feed the shops, and entertainment, and the theatre, and that is the whole point of it.

"Yes, some things have had to be cut back because the climate has changed, but I do think ultimately Leatherhead will benefit from this."

Sevenoaks had said the project, a joint venture between the council and Kier Property, would lead to increased traffic congestion and building works over several years, adding: "It will look like carnage."

He said the development originally included affordable housing, social housing, a refurbished Swan Centre, a cinema and financial profit for investment in the town, but the benefits had diminished.

"The profit share is down from £22m to £14m, reduced car parking, and no cinema or leisure facilities, and we see there is no social housing," he said.

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