Dear Members
As I mentioned in the January Bulletin that we might, we did have a Members Meeting in early February (actually, it was on Monday 9th February) to discuss the Transform Leatherhead Planning Application and the consultation on the possibility of Leatherhead having a Parish Council.
For those not able to be present, LRA Director, Martyn Williams, spoke first on the Planning Application and noted that some 730 representations had been received by the Council’s Planning Department. The very great majority of these were objections, primarily to the perceived over-development and excessive height of the proposals for Bull Hill. Since the meeting the number of representations has risen further, and it is thought that once recent receipts are logged onto the website, the total will be around 840.
Martyn also commented that the likely date for a decision on the Application remains unclear, but that is very unlikely to be before the Unitary Authority elections in early May. So, if you wish to comment on the Application there is still time to do so.
If you wish to discuss the issues or find out how to lodge a Representation, please contact LRA Director Steve Preston via the LRA website.
Susan Hood of “Save Bull Hill” then reported on the Group’s progress with fund raising to pay for their Planning Consultant’s professional critique of the Application. She requested donations via the “Save Bull Hill” website from anyone who had not yet donated. Donations can also be left in the LRA mailbox at the Letherhead Institute. (If writing a cheque, please make it out to “Save Bull Hill”.) The LRA will pass your donation on to the Save Bull Hill group.
LRA Chairman, Tim Caffell, then gave a short talk on the pro’s and con’s of Leatherhead being granted “Parish Council” status. As the consultation closed on 20th February, the matter is in the hands of our Council to make the final decision.
My next subject is the Swan Centre’s poll for the 2026 Charity of the Year. There is quite a long list to choose from, and they all have a strong presence, if not their headquarters, here in Leatherhead.
You need to choose from: The Leatherhead Youth Project; The Samaritans (Leatherhead Branch); Dyscover; LeatherHEAD START; Freewheelers; Combat Stress; Cardiac Risk in the Young; and Leatherhead Rotary.
https://form.jotform.com/260472798581369 will take you to further information and the ability to cast your vote on the web, but there is an office in the Swan Centre (upstairs, I think) where you can hand in a hard copy, and a bright red letter box by the lifts opposite Sainsbury’s entrance.
Our Treasurer, Paula Sabine, has asked me to remind everyone, that if you have received an email regarding renewing your subscription, please could you renew your membership. This will be because you have a yearly membership or your 3-year membership expired at the end of 2025.
Another email, with renewal details, will be sent to those members who haven’t yet renewed, just after the bulletin is emailed out.
The LRA value your support.
Please don’t forget that donations are also gladly accepted!
With all best wishes
Caroline (Brown)
Director