More than 2,000 objections to shopping centre plan

Plans to redevelop a north Surrey shopping centre and car park site have received more than 2,000 letters of objection.

A six-storey building would be built at Hersham Green Shopping Centre, which currently hosts retail units including Waitrose and independent shops.

Campaigners are unhappy about the scale of the development and the loss of car parking spaces, which they say would have an impact on a school drop off and people accessing a doctor's surgery.

Developers Quadrant Repurpose said £6m is being invested to modernise and upgrade the centre and build new homes.

The proposals include 109 senior living apartments, a supermarket and commercial floorspace in the shopping centre.

There would be 128 parking bays for visitors, which is a reduction of 142 from the number available at the moment.

Susan Mealor, from the Save Hersham Centre campaign group, believes the building would be too high and that Elmbridge borough does not need any more of this type of housing for older residents.

“What we want are reasonable plans,” she said.

“We’re not against a redevelopment and the centre does look a little bit aged and it could do with money being spent on it. But what we want is something appropriate for this location and for (the) people who live here.”

Quadrant Repurpose said the investment would "future-proof" Hersham Shopping Centre, adding that the "investment in the retail units is only viable through the delivery of the residential side".

The spokesperson added: "We have carried out extensive consultation with the local community and feedback has greatly influenced our proposals, resulting in a 50% reduction in the height and massing.

"We are committed to preserving the centre for the community and continuing engagement with them through planning and beyond."

Residents, businesses and other organisations have until 4 September to comment.