Opportunity

Having progressed through a comprehensive Examination exercise, councillors agreed to adopt the Mole Valley Local Plan at a meeting on 15 October 2024. The Plan will be in place until 2039, guiding future development and supporting infrastructure in the district during that period. In doing so, the Plan will be used to address the following key areas:

• Affordable Housing: Larger housing sites will now allocate 40% for affordable housing, including social rented homes.
• Shopping Frontages: Local policies will guide the preservation of shopping areas
• Character and Design: Expect new and strengthened policies to ensure developments are in line with desired character and design standards.
• Locally Listed Buildings: 236 new buildings will receive local listing status for their architectural or historical significance.
• Local Green Space: 27 new areas will be designated as local green spaces for community.
• Zero Carbon Homes: All new large housing projects will be required to meet zero carbon standards.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points: Each new dwelling will have at least one electric vehicle charging socket installed.
• Parking: Minimum parking standards will be set, ensuring adequate parking availability.
• Biodiversity Net Gain: A target of 20% biodiversity net gain will be pursued in development projects.
• Temporary School Classes: Additional temporary school classes will be provided as needed to accommodate growing student populations.
• Primary Care Facilities: New or expanded primary care facilities will be established to meet community needs.
• Public Open Spaces: New publicly accessible open spaces will be created for recreational use.
• Children’s Play Areas: Development of new children’s play areas will provide recreational opportunities for families.
• Early Years’ Facilities: Provision of new early years’ facilities will support young children’s development and care needs.
• Gypsies and Travellers: New housing developments will include provisions for new pitches to accommodate Gypsies and Travellers.
• Community Hubs: Existing community hubs will be enhanced, and new ones will be established to foster community connections.
• Transport Improvements: Various transport improvements will be implemented to enhance accessibility and connectivity within the area.

Pippbrook House, with its rich history and architectural significance, stands as a cherished landmark within our campus.

However, the aging roof requires urgent refurbishment to protect the building from weather conditions and ensure the long-term preservation of this iconic building. Works to the roof are now underway and are due to last until June 2025.

Alongside the refurbishment efforts, we are exploring new management options for Pippbrook House to further contribute to the regeneration of the property.

Plans to redevelop the Foundry site have been in discussion since 2014, later widened to include the Church Street workshops. Demolition of the buildings is now complete and the site is clear and contained within hoarding.

The proposals are for residential units, commercial space with vehicular access, and improved pedestrian access. Subject to MVDC Cabinet approval, the project team will develop designs ready for submission of a planning application in spring 2025. During this process, further stakeholder consultation will take place.

The joint venture agreement with Kier Property, covering the key projects of Bull Hill and Swan Centre, was signed in October 2023 and now operates as The Leret Partnership. The first stage of public engagement was held in the summer of 2024. Further public consultation will be held before the submission of a planning application in 2025.

In 2023, residents had the opportunity to share their views on the initial ideas for the Riverside area and contracts have also been exchanged with McCarthy Stone on the Claire House and James House site (the old buildings have now been demolished). 

Over the past three years, the Mole Valley Employment and Skills Hub, based at the Swan Centre in Leatherhead, with the help of grant funding from the Department for Work and Pensions, has helped hundreds of residents.

This year, using funding provided by MVDC from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we will continue to provide initiatives such as jobs fairs, digital skills advice, and cost of living events. 

Mole Valley for Business continues to offer a range of free measures to support businesses across the district, including 1-2-1 advice sessions, networking events and business leaders’ forums.

In 2024, frequent business networking events featuring industry expert speakers will take place at a variety of venues across Mole Valley. 

Grove Road car park in Ashtead was refurbished in 2024. The works covered resurfacing, improving signage, drainage, and pedestrian access. Church Hall Car Park in Leatherhead has also been re-linned.