Big employment hub coming to Leatherhead
The future of a possibly major employment hub in Leatherhead has been given a huge “vote of confidence”.
Four new buildings and 13 industrial warehouse units will be built in the north of the town after decision-makers backed plans to modernise part of the Cleeve Road Business Park Research Area.
Three “rather tired” buildings, Alpha, Beta, and Cetec, will be torn down to make way for modern facilities that meet the “expectations of employers and businesses today”.
The decision, backed unanimously at the Wednesday, April 3 meeting of Mole Valley’s Development Committee, had widespread support within the room given the area was already earmarked as a business park by the borough’s planners.
Councillor Keira Vyvyan-Robinson (LD, Leatherhead North) said: “I am broadly in favour of this.
“I think it is a sort of vote of confidence in the industrial unit there, and the site, and the future of it, which is a really good thing.
“I’m pleased to see investment being put into that area.”
Cllr Chris Hunt (Ind, Ashtead Lanes & Common) said: “I really think this application is good.
“I love the mix in the size of the units, I think that appeals to firms throughout.”
He said the noise, lighting and access were all positive and added: “ It’s the right site at the right time.”
Among the comments received during the planning process were concerns over the loss of existing pedestrian and cycle access.
Councillors did urge the developers Stefania Chancerygate (Leatherhead No. 1) Limited, to keep these throughways, particularly for those who work at the site as they would benefit from easy routes into town – but were told it was not a planning matter.
The meeting heard the site had good access to the M25 and that “strategically” this was where the council would direct this type of development “as it would boost employment and promote growth”.
The new plans include 112 parking bays, of which at least 50 per cent must have fast-charge sockets before any of the units are allowed to open for trading.
Cllr Phil Hammond (LD, Fetcham): “The employment land strategically for the district is really important and this is a big area but it’s got rather tired and it’s not really meeting the expectations of employers and businesses today.
“It needs upgrading, it’s important employment, we need that in north Leatherhead and we need that in the north of the district.”
Image: Leatherhead Business Park (Mole Valley Planning Portal)
