Elmbridge Cabinet to review proposed land inclusion in Hersham Place Technology Park redevelopment

12 May: Elmbridge Cabinet to review proposed land inclusion in Hersham Place Technology Park redevelopment

On 19 May, Elmbridge Cabinet will discuss the inclusion of land adjacent to Hersham Place Technology Park on the southeast side of Queensway, Hersham in the redevelopment of the wider site previously occupied by Air Products. 

The report submitted to Cabinet follows consultation with Hersham residents on whether we should include this land within proposals for the redevelopment of the site.

It will recommend that Elmbridge Borough Council enters into an agreement on the land adjacent to Hersham Place Technology Park on the southeast side of Queensway, Hersham site with Berkeley Homes to enable a more comprehensive development of the Hersham Place Technology Park with wider community benefits. This is subject to planning.

Community benefits

The element of wider community benefit was recognised by the Hersham residents who responded to the consultation. Their support for enhanced use of the land is also echoed by Elmbridge Borough Council and Berkeley Homes. 

Through early discussions with Berkeley Homes, we have explored the option of including this land within the development site, enabling a more comprehensive redevelopment to help deliver maximum community benefit, including:

• Enhancing the green space: This area feels disconnected from the Village, leading to issues like graffiti and anti-social behaviour. Including it in the wider redevelopment offers a great opportunity to revitalise the space.
   
• Connecting the Village: As part of the wider redevelopment, there’s a great chance to create a clearer, safer, and more welcoming route through the area—one that helps people avoid the busy A244 and Queensway on the other side of the dual carriageway.
   
• GP services: There’s a real potential to include important community facilities—like a modern GP surgery—as part of the redevelopment of the Hersham Place Technology Park. While a new surgery is already planned for the Hersham Golf Course site, we believe it would better serve residents if it were located closer to heart of the Village.

What we heard from Hersham residents

Hersham has a population of around 12,625, and during the consultation, 155 people and groups shared their views through the survey, about 1.2% of the community. 

• 51% (79 people) were not in favour of the proposal. 
• 45% (70 people), including Surrey County Council, supported it. 
• 4% (6 people) were undecided, saying they needed more information.

Those who supported the land inclusion, added that any green space lost should be replaced or relocated, a second vehicle access from Queensway would be helpful and they highlighted that community benefits should focus on a GP surgery, open space, or a library - not more housing.

Those who opposed the idea were mainly worried about losing green space and a well-used footpath. There were also doubts expressed about whether promised community benefits would be delivered and there was a feeling that the land should only be used for leisure or recreation, not housing.

Surrey County Council supported the proposal, highlighting the chance to create a safer, more accessible route that avoids the busy A244/Queensway—something that fits with the walking and cycling goals. They also noted there are currently no plans to redevelop Hersham Library.

Shaping Hersham

In recommending to Elmbridge Cabinet that the Council enters into an agreement on the land adjacent to Hersham Technology Park with Berkeley Homes, we are considering the greater community benefits and our strong desire to enhance and improve community facilities in Hersham. 

We know the passion expressed by Hersham residents about their Village. We understand the worry that comes with potential development and the concerns expressed about the changing fabric of the village. By recommending this land agreement, we’re demonstrating our commitment to doing what’s best for our residents and creating opportunities to enhance our community facilities whenever possible.

Cllr Simon Waugh,
Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy

Note: Berkeley Homes are hoping to submit a planning application for their site later this year. 

• Elmbridge Cabinet May agenda
• Watch Elmbridge Cabinet meeting

2 May update:

The consultation has now closed. 

The information received from residents, businesses and community members will be gathered and will update you again in the months ahead.

The sale of Hersham Technology Park is allowing us an opportunity to engage with Hersham residents about whether Elmbridge Borough Council land should be included in development plans for this site, with the potential for a more comprehensive and cohesive plan benefitting the community. 

These potential benefits are subject to discussions with infrastructure partners, but they could include relocating the GP and library services closer to the heart of the village. 

However, we don’t want to commit to this option without first engaging with and listening to Hersham residents and businesses. Therefore, we are running a consultation on this matter, starting 3 April and running to 1 May 2025. 

The survey is available to complete online, with paper copies also available at the Hersham Centre for the Community from Monday 7 April .

We will also host a drop-in on 26 April, 1pm to 3pm at: 

WI Hall, 4 Burhill Rd (opposite the Church building), Burwood Road, Hersham, Surrey, KT12 4AA

“We remain committed to the Hersham community and the vitality of the village and look forward to meeting with residents and businesses in the coming weeks,” said Cllr Caroline James, Portfolio Holder for Planning. 

More information on Shaping Hersham