11 March 2025 update

In September and October 2024, we met with and heard from residents of Lower Green on their concerns, needs and aspirations for their local area.

This engagement was part of a ‘placemaking’ strategy for Lower Green. Placemaking being a process that supports the shaping and improving of community areas.

We heard about residents’ concerns on local road safety, their desire for enhanced recreational facilities and their apprehension about increased housing and the associated impact on roads and infrastructure.

Since then, government announced that local government reorganisation would happen in Surrey. An interim proposal of reorganisation from Surrey councils is due by 21 March, with a final proposal submission deadline of 9 May. If approved, elections for new unitary councils will be held in 2026, with the unitary councils established in 2027.

For Lower Green Placemaking this means a reprioritisation is needed. We cannot deliver extensive placemaking within the timescales of local government reorganisation, however, we can deliver short term actions, prioritising those most in demand from Lower Green residents.

On 19 March, Cllr Caroline James, Portfolio Holder for Planning, will be asked to approve the Lower Green consultation statement and associated action plan for publication and communication to the community this Spring (likely April 2025).

Throughout local government reorganisation we remain committed to our residents and the communities we service, support and champion.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Lower Green community and in helping to deliver for them.

Initial community engagement starting 9 September until 7 October 2024

There are two online surveys you can complete to share your views. You do not need to complete both.

Lower Green Placemaking Survey (Microsoft 365) 
No sign-in required

Lower Green Placemaking Survey (Elmbridge Borough Council Website) 
If you already have an EBC account

Elmbridge can sometimes be tricky to describe to those who don’t live here. Visitors are more familiar with Cobham and Weybridge, areas like Weston Green and Hersham less so. There is no Elmbridge town, but we have many communities, all of whom are passionate about their part of Elmbridge.

Lower Green is one of those passionate Elmbridge communities - situated on the bank of the River Ember and River Mole, with just over 1,300 residents, a corner shop, a community centre and neighbouring café.

However, transport connections could be better as Lower Green is not that close Esher train station.  There is commercial activity all around in the business parks, but this is not the retail outlets and amenities residents need in their day-to-day lives. The local high street, Esher High Street, is 1.5miles away, certainly a drive or a long walk or cycle, but not a ‘quick pop to the shops’.

The aim of this work – Lower Green Placemaking – is to:

• improve transport connections with neighbouring communities
• create new homes for local people
• provide more opportunities for employment
• increase access to green spaces and improved wellbeing opportunities
• enhance community facilities
• improve the local environment through the reduction of air pollution
• and attract more people to the area

“We have been here before”

Some may say “we have been here before” or “this will benefit the council not the Lower Green community” and we understand these views.  However, there is determination within Elmbridge Borough Council to make this happen. Local Councillors are actively involved and are committed to bringing their influence and leadership to the process.  

Of course, with the financial constraints of Local Government, we could not undertake this project if there wasn’t a financial benefit to the council, but the priority is improving Lower Green to create a thriving sustainable community so everyone benefits.

What we need are your ideas and views

Initial community engagement will start on 9 September until 7 October 2024. This is our opportunity to hear from the residents, businesses and community stakeholders of Lower Green on what you want for your community. Do our thoughts on the area resonate with you? What are your priorities?

You will hear about this initial engagement in the weeks ahead and we look forward to seeing you and working with you to shape the future of Lower Green.

Cllr Caroline James 
Portfolio Holder for Planning and Environmental Health

Cllr Simon Waugh
Chair of the Lower Green Placemaking Member Reference Group

More information on Lower Green Placemaking