Elmbridge Borough Council has announced an important public consultation on the future of Elm Grove. The Council has agreed a draft Development Brief for Elm Grove. This is a planning document that sets out the parameters of future development on the site; it is not a planning application. It covers the whole site, including the recreation ground, Walton Bowling Club, Youth Centre, the Eco Hub, and the Grade II-listed building facing onto Hersham Road which currently houses a nursery.
The Brief states the Council wants to re-provide and upgrade the bowls green and football pitches, retain the tennis courts, upgrade the play area, plant more trees, provide a central sports pavilion, allow the nursery to remain in the main building, and relocate the Eco Hub in the vicinity of the site. In addition, the NHS has approached the Council to suggest a neighbourhood hub at Elmgrove.
The consultation runs from 5 December to 29 January. You can visit the website and answer the online questionnaire here: https://consult.elmbridge.gov.uk/ElmGrove. Two drop-in sessions are being held where you can find out more and ask questions:
Wednesday 13 December: midday to 2pm at PA Housing, Case House, 85-89 High Street (next to the cinema)
Monday 15 January: 5pm-7pm at Walton Centre for the Community, Manor Road
The Walton Society are keen that as many local residents as possible respond to the consultation. We are delievering a special newsletter to several hundred nearby homes to raise awarness of the consultation.
The Walton Society want to ensure this important part of our town is protected and its future is determined by residents’ wishes. We’ll also work to ensure current users are fully supported.