Waitrose objects to major development plan

Waitrose has officially objected to a major development in Surrey.

The supermarket said it was concerned about the loss of parking and possible impact on its operation from the proposed regeneration of Hersham Green Shopping Centre.

A spokesperson from developer Quadrant Repurpose said the firm was "naturally disappointed" by Waitrose’s objection and that it remained in dialogue with the chain.

They vowed to invest £6m in the store and other retail units in the centre to ensure their survival, if the scheme is approved.

Plans for the regeneration of the village shopping centre and a six-storey senior living accommodation were submitted by Quadrant to Elmbridge Borough Council in March 2024.

Under the plans, the number of parking spaces could be reduced from 270 to 142 in both the Waitrose customer car park and the council-run New Berry Lane site, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“Waitrose’s principal concern is the significant loss of car parking proposed will inevitably lead to customers choosing to shop elsewhere and result in a loss of trade for Waitrose and other retailers,” said consultants Glanville.

Nearly 3,000 letters of objection to the proposals have been sent.

Travel consultancy firm Mayer Brown said the issue and stress around parking would be a short-term issue during the transition when the proposed development opens.

New independent traffic assessments, published on behalf of the developer in August, outlined there was sufficient on-street parking.

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