Post-Addendum FAQs

We have listened to feedback and made changes to the scheme. We have now submitted what's called an 'addendum' to the local planning authority.

An addendum is a document added to an existing submission to provide updated or additional information, without replacing the original. In a planning context, it sits alongside the original application documents and is used to present amendments, new evidence or responses to issues raised. In this case, the design changes are made in response to feedback from the Local Planning Authority and the community. It carries the same formal status as the documents it supports and forms part of the planning application that the council will consider when determining the application.

The changes at a glance

The tallest buildings opposite Waterway Road have been reduced from 12 and 10 storeys to 10 and 6 storeys respectively, creating a more gradual transition in height towards the public open space and surrounding townhouses.
Up to 450 new homes, reduced from 480 homes, following the height changes.
Larger public open space, meaning a 27% increase in public open space compared to the initial proposals, from 8,088 sqm to 11,108 sqm together with more tree planting and improved biodiversity.
More green spaces and walking routes on the eastern side of Bull Hill leading into the public open space.
A smaller multi-storey car park (MSCP) creating a better arrival square from the station and Randalls Road.

The scheme will still deliver:

Over £12m investment to modernise and revitalise the Swan Centre (subsidised by the partial development of Bull Hill).
9,756 sqm of Grade A, net‑zero office space (currently lacking in Leatherhead) to retain and attract employers.
A cinema with 3 screens, or other leisure destination, along with four new food & drink spaces to support a day into evening economy.
Better walking and cycling facilities, repaired street frontages and improved connections across the town centre.
New jobs and skills, with 790 construction jobs a year and over 1,300 permanent jobs once complete, plus apprenticeships.
Contributions from the developer of over £9m across Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 over the life of the project, plus higher council tax and business rates.
Energy‑efficient buildings, sustainable drainage and a net biodiversity gain.

What’s proposed and why

The plans for Bull Hill and Swan Centre are designed to create a town centre that builds on what makes Leatherhead special – its attractive setting, rich heritage and strong sense of community. The proposals bring together new homes, workspaces, public open spaces and leisure opportunities to support a thriving and sustainable town centre. The addendum retains these core benefits while responding to feedback from the community and Local Planning Authority through a series of design improvements.

FAQs

Getting around – parking, traffic and active travel

One multi-storey car park, new cycle parking and a Car Club cuts dependencies on private ownership and improves the town centre’s streets. The addendum has reduced the number of resident parking spaces in line with the reduction in the number of homes from 480 to 450; the number of public car parking spaces remains unchanged. Our modelling shows no significant change in traffic levels overall, with a new western access road that avoids a rat-run, and better walking, cycling and bus links.

FAQs

Greener places: parks, play and trees

Our vision for Leatherhead town centre includes celebrating and enhancing the town’s position as the gateway to the Surrey Hills. The plans for Bull Hill and the Swan Centre reflect that character, to ensure the town centre becomes a natural extension of our beautiful surroundings, and a place for play and exploration. This includes keeping most of the mature trees, creating a new green link to connect Bull Hill to King George V Memorial Gardens and the wider town, and more than doubling the size of the family play area.

FAQs

Sustainability, drainage and flood resilience

Sustainability has been a key consideration throughout the design process. The proposals prioritise the reuse of previously developed land, encourage walking, cycling and public transport use, provide highly energy-efficient buildings and deliver significant improvements to landscaping and biodiversity.

The scheme combines low-carbon, net-zero offices with landscape improvements that boost biodiversity and support active travel. Flood protection includes sustainable drainage, extra water storage, raised floor levels where needed and a safe exit route. Groundwater will be protected, and if piling (driving deep foundation supports into the ground) is needed, it will be carried out under agreed controls to prevent contamination.

FAQs

Supporting local business and economy

Our vision is designed to ensure Leatherhead is a town where people can meet and mix. This means expanding and diversifying our shopping, leisure and cultural offer to give people a wider choice of things to do during the day and into the evening. Increasing the footfall in the town centre with the introduction of new homes and workspaces will support local businesses, and enhance the vibrancy of our centre.

FAQs

Construction and phasing

The development would be delivered in phases following the granting of planning permission and the completion of the necessary legal agreements. A detailed programme would be confirmed closer to the commencement of works.

Phasing would keep disruption to a minimum, keep shops open and deliver improved public space as each stage finishes.

FAQs

Local benefits and community uses

New jobs, new spend and upgraded streets and play spaces will strengthen the local economy and benefit local people. Space has been safeguarded for a GP surgery or another community use, and the scheme brings around 790 construction jobs a year, 1,300+ permanent roles, just under £11m extra annual local spend and significant Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 funding to deliver local priorities.

FAQs

About The Leret Partnership and Transform Leatherhead

Transform Leatherhead is Mole Valley District Council’s regeneration strategy focused on strengthening Leatherhead’s distinct character, improving the quality of life for residents, creating local opportunities and ensuring the town remains competitive, attractive and resilient now and in the future. The Leret Partnership is delivering the plans for Bull Hill and Swan Centre, which are central to this strategy, by combining new homes, offices and public spaces with a wide choice of leisure, culture and amenities.

FAQs

Post-Addendum FAQs