Backlash over plans to rebuild shopping parade

Plans to demolish and rebuild a shopping parade in Surrey have been met with a backlash from some local residents.

Developers have submitted a planning application to replace the two-storey Heath Building in Oxshott with nine residential flats, four retail units, a car park and a gym.

Residents agreed the current building was “old and ugly”, but said the plans for the new site were “entirely out of place in a quaint Surrey village”.

In redeveloping the site, Heath Buildings Ltd said it hoped it would “ensure the vitality and viability” of the high street.

Nearly 240 letters have been written to Elmbridge Borough Council, with about 190 against and 134 supporting the application.

Residents argued the size of the proposed building, at 2m (6ft 6in) taller than neighbouring properties, was “ridiculous” and would dominate the street scene.

One local argued the development would have a profound impact on neighbouring residents living “in the shadow of this monstrosity”.

Built in the 1960s, the current Heath Building currently hosts five operating retail units and five residential flats, three of which are occupied.

The new three-storey development is proposed to be taller than other buildings on the high street.

Council officers have recommended the proposal be rejected due to the height, bulk and the architectural design being “incongruous” with the character of the area.

The authority added that the style of the development would result in a “harmful” loss of privacy, create an “unneighbourly and overbearing impact” on other properties.

The applicant, Heath Buildings Ltd, said it hoped the “high quality buildings” would attract more footfall to the area.

Councillors have debated the proposal, but have referred it to be decided at full planning committee later in the year.

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