Leatherhead regeneration plans submitted

A major planning application has been submitted for the transformation of Leatherhead’s Swan Centre and Bull Hill, setting out a mixed-use regeneration scheme aimed at revitalising the town centre with new homes, public spaces, commercial premises, and improved connectivity.

The proposals—submitted on 6 November by The Leret Partnership, a joint venture between Mole Valley District Council and Kier Property—are now live on the Mole Valley District Council planning portal. If approved, the development would deliver up to 480 homes, including affordable housing, alongside a range of new town centre uses and public realm enhancements.

Central to the plans is the £12 million upgrade of the Swan Centre, which would see the creation of four new café and restaurant units, a three-screen cinema, improved shopfronts, and a redesigned central square suitable for markets and community events. The aim is to create a more attractive retail and leisure destination to serve both residents and visitors.

The scheme also includes the development of modern, sustainable office space, a potential GP surgery, and a multi-storey car park. These additions are intended to support a balanced, mixed-use neighbourhood while attracting inward investment and creating a foundation for economic growth.

Located between Leatherhead railway station and the High Street, the Bull Hill site is positioned to become a landscape-led neighbourhood designed around green public spaces and sustainable transport infrastructure. Plans include improved pedestrian and cycling links, safer street layouts, and public realm enhancements to promote walkability and access to town centre amenities.

Of the total homes proposed, detailed plans have been submitted for 276 units in the northeast section of Bull Hill, with the remaining units covered by an outline application to be brought forward at a later date.

The overall development is expected to support around 870 construction jobs per year during the build phase and generate approximately 1,300 permanent roles once complete. It is also projected to deliver about £9 million in developer contributions to help fund local infrastructure and community improvements.

The application represents a key milestone in the council’s Transform Leatherhead programme, which aims to unlock long-term regeneration across the town.

Cllr Keira Vyvyan-Robinson, Cabinet Member for Property and Projects at Mole Valley District Council, described the submission as “a real step forward in boosting Leatherhead’s unique position as the gateway to the Surrey Hills.”

Leigh Thomas, Group Managing Director for Kier Property, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive stakeholder engagement and was designed to unlock confidence in Leatherhead’s future. “This is about more than development; it’s about delivering real impact through a sustainable and revitalised town centre,” he said.

The application will now undergo a 30-day statutory consultation period, during which residents can submit feedback to the local planning authority.