We have listened: changes submitted for Bull Hill

We have now submitted changes to our planning application for the Swan Centre and Bull Hill, following feedback from residents, businesses and the Local Planning Authority.

Here are the changes at a glance:

• Lower height buildings in the south-west corner, reduced from 12 and 10 storeys to 10 and 6 storeys respectively, creating a more gradual transition in height towards the park and surrounding townhouses.
• Up to 450 new homes, down from 480.
• More public open space, plus more tree planting and improved biodiversity.
• Improved walking routes on the eastern side of Bull Hill leading into the park.
• A lower and smaller multi-storey car park, set back from Randalls Road to create a better arrival square from the station.

What the scheme will still deliver:

• Over £12m investment to modernise and revitalise the Swan Centre.
• Approximately 10,000 sqm of Grade A, net-zero office space to retain and attract employers.
• A cinema, or another kind of leisure destination, as well as 4 new food and drink spaces, supporting an all-day into evening economy.
• A new, high-quality playground twice the size of the existing playground.
• Better walking and cycling facilities, repaired street frontages and improved connections across the town centre.
• New jobs and skills, with around 790 construction jobs a year and over 1300 permanent jobs once complete, plus apprenticeships.
• £9m in contributions from the developer through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106, plus higher council tax and business rates.
• Energy-efficient buildings and sustainable drainage.

The changes, known as an addendum, responds directly to feedback received during the statutory consultation and through discussions with Mole Valley District Council (MVDC). It is a formal document which is added to an existing planning application to provide updated or additional information. It does not replace the original submission but sits alongside it, carrying the same status when the Local Planning Authority determines the application.

What happens next? 

The addendum and all supporting documents are available to view on the MVDC Planning Portal

• View the addendum and make a comment here

• Register for updates here

• View the project FAQs here

• To follow our progress, register for updates via our website, or follow us on Facebook.