High rises will kill town, campaigners say

New high rises in a Surrey town will "absolutely kill" it, and will put local playspaces in a "shadow for nine months of the year", campaigners say.

Plans for 480 homes in Leatherhead, originally to be split between the Bull Hill open space and Swan Centre, will now all be located in the park after engineers found the shopping precinct could not support the housing.

Opponents to the project told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they want any development to be "right for Leatherhead".

Mole Valley District Council, which is backing the plans, said the application is a key milestone in its "Transform Leatherhead" regeneration scheme.

Steve Preston, Susan Hood, and Bev Emms have been at the forefront of the fight against the proposals, setting up resident meetings to spread the word about the project.

Preston, Hood and Emms said in a statement: "It [the project] will absolutely kill Leatherhead. Its our green space and it's now or never. We don't just want want to stop this for the sake of it.

"We want Leatherhead to thrive.

"We've been telling people to let the council know if you are for it, let them know if you are against it. Let them know."

The campaigners also argued that the plans for the high rises would overshadow Bull Hill, particularly the play area and green spaces.

The council argues the homes will help it meet housing targets, pay for the regeneration of the Swan Centre, and create jobs.

The authority has joined with Keir Developments on the project, which combines public sector land ownership with private sector investment.

Councillor Keira Vyvyan-Robinson, Mole Valley District Council's cabinet member for commercial assets and property, said: "This partnership creates a platform for long term regeneration in Leatherhead, including increased footfall from new homes and mixed use development."

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