Elmbridge District

Elmbridge, on the fringes of London, comprises a number of individual towns and villages, which are separated by open spaces that are within the metropolitan Green Belt. These communities, many of architectural and or historical interest, add to the attractiveness of the Borough. In addition to the built environment, the Borough is fortunate in possessing invaluable resources of commons, woodland, riverscapes and farmland.  On the northern fringe of the Borough the River Thames provides an attractive and valuable resource whilst rivers, including the Mole and Wey run through the landscape to enter the Thames at Molesey and Weybridge.

Two national primary routes pass through Elmbridge, the M25 and the A3, whilst the M3 is located to the northwest and Heathrow airport is in close proximity.  Coupled with good passenger rail links to central London this attractive location has proved popular to a wide variety of individuals and businesses-the local economy is strong whilst commuting plays an important part in the Borough’s life.

However the beneficial features and location of Elmbridge also have disadvantages –there are immense pressures for development which threaten not only the character of the existing residential areas but also the open areas within and surrounding the urban areas.

These development pressures have and continue to adversely affect local infrastructure including, traffic and congestion levels. Continual high levels of commuting have increased congestion.  House prices are among the highest in the country, forcing the young, single or less affluent people to move out of the area. As in other areas of the County there is an acute shortage of affordable housing and an imbalance in housing types, resulting in a socio economic imbalance.

Whilst Elmbridge has extensive urban areas and a large population, the third highest in the County, it is often not appreciated that some 57% of the total area is Green Belt- somewhat fragmented in the north, but more widespread and open in the south and central parts of the Borough. The Council have always placed a very high priority on its protection and since it was established there have been very few changes, even though there have been constant and increasing pressures. It is very likely that with the need to provide for large increases in population in the next 20 years the Green Belt will be under ever increasing pressure.

Within its open areas Elmbridge possesses many attractive areas including the wide belt of commons and heaths that are heavily used by local people. The River Thames and its immediate environs is another valuable attractive recreational asset that however is under threat from unsympathetic development proposals. To the south there is the nationally known Painshill Park.

It is not only the Green Belt that will be under great pressure but also the attractive urban areas of the various communities from Molesey, Walton and Weybridge in the north to Cobham, Claygate and Oxshott in the south. Already attractive areas of mature housing have been lost and replaced by higher density housing that accords with current planning policy. One of the unfortunate recent trends has been the spread of luxury flat developments that have comprehensively altered the character of some areas.  Although perhaps the attractiveness of flat redevelopment has subsided to some extent, government policy for increased housing densities has not altered. There will be further changes and challenges to the established urban fabrics in the coming years.

Elmbridge is included in the sub region of the South East Plan called the “London fringe” This area has been identified as an area of growth in the next 20 years. Although not subject to the levels of growth of towns such as Guildford, Woking and Redhill it is clear that the future will bring considerable growth and many development challenges to the Borough that could adversely affect the area as it is today.

Planning Applications known.

• The Motorway service area (MSA) at Downside on the M25 although having already obtained planning permission in outline has important details still to be decided that will affect the extent it dominates the surrounding area and Downside village.
• There is an application to redevelop the Jolly Boatman site in Molesey, on the River Thames adjacent to Hampton Court Palace and bridge. Present proposals are considered too large and would if approved appear intrusive in the existing townscape and riverside setting.
• There are plans to replace the small existing hotel at Sandown Park racecourse with a large new complex containing over 100 rooms. This is a Green Belt area immediately adjacent to the Town centre and already congested High Street.
• The plans for a replacement Walton Bridge have still not been finalised after the rejection by the Inspector of the County Council’s previous proposal. There is a need for the final plans to place more emphasis on the surrounding open area of Cowey Sale.