Dear Members
A month ago, I wrote about the wonderful Spring-like weather we were having. While that was followed by quite a cold period, we are once again enjoying unusually good weather for the time of year. Hats, sunglasses and sun-tan cream are certainly the order of the day!
As if the weather is not enough to uplift our spirits, there is news at last as to the progress in respect of Transform Leatherhead. A Cabinet Report will be considered and commented on by MVDC’s Scrutiny Committee at a meeting on Tuesday 2nd June. The Report and the Committee’s comments will then be considered and voted on at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 16th June.
The Report seeks approval to the alteration of various legal arrangements including MVDC retaining ownership of the Swan Centre (albeit still remodelled) and the public open space and the multi-storey car park at Bull Hill. The “Town Houses” on Bull Hill are likely to require freehold or very long leasehold sale to comply with recent Government legislation.
Most importantly, various amendments to the current Bull Hill scheme design are proposed to answer the comments of Statutory Consultees, Planning issues and Resident’s concerns. These include reduced building heights, increased green space and a revised servicing strategy.
These changes will require further public consultation, and the intention now is to target a Planning decision by November or December this year. Let us hope that the Cabinet approves the report and that over the next 6 months a new and much better Bull Hill development emerges, which will be recompense for all the hard work put in by the LRA, “Save Bull Hill” and the residents of our Town in opposing the current proposals.
With the Local Elections now concluded, it is reported that the East Surrey Council that will take over the duties of the current District and County Councils in 2027 will comprise 40 Lib Dems, 10 Conservatives, 8 Greens, 5 Reform and 9 Independents. We are hoping that we can prevail upon one of the new Leatherhead and Fetcham East Councillors to speak to us at one of our forthcoming meetings. In the meantime, if you need to speak with one of your elected representatives remember that the current ones remain in office until the hand-over next year.
On a lighter note, hopefully you received our Treasurer’s notice regarding the Donkey Derby and Dog Show organised by the Leatherhead Lions on the Fortyfoot Recreation Ground on Bank Holiday Monday. The LRA lent their support by taking a stand and the event proved a great success, notwithstanding that due to the extreme temperatures, both dogs and donkeys could not be present.
You may also have attended Downsend School’s excellent production of “Downsend Rocks”. This used pupil’s personal versions of various Rock and Pop classics and succeeded in raising much-needed funds for Dementia UK and the Hillside Animal Sanctuary.
We will issue an interim Bulletin after 16th June when we know the decision of the MVDC Cabinet.
With all best wishes
Caroline Brown
(LRA Director)