11 March 2025 update

In September to November 2024, under the banner of ‘Shaping Hersham’ we met with and heard from residents of Hersham on their concerns, needs and aspirations for their local area.

We heard about residents’ concerns on the Centre for the Community, car parking and potential impact of proposed developments such as Hersham Golf Course and Hersham Shopping Centre.

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 Hersham this means that we will publish the results of the previous engagement in Spring (likely April).

Additionally, the sale of Hersham Technology Park is allowing us another possible opportunity to engage with Hersham residents about whether Elmbridge Borough Council land should be included in development plans for this site, with the potential for a more comprehensive and cohesive plan benefitting the community.

These potential benefits are subject to discussions with infrastructure partners, but they could include relocating the library and GP services closer to the heart of village.

However, we don’t want to commit to this option without first engaging with and listening to Hersham residents and businesses, therefore we are proposing a specific consultation on this matter, starting 3 April and running to 1 May 2025. 

There will be a survey for residents to share their views and an in person drop-in meeting (more specific details to follow). 

On 19 March, Cllr Caroline James, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Cllr Simon Waugh Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy, will be asked to approve the Hersham consultation statement and upcoming consultation in Hersham.

If approved we will also open a pre-consultation online survey on 19 March, should  residents want to share their views in advance of the consultation starting 3 April. 

We remain committed to the Hersham community and the vitality of village and look forward to meeting with residents and businesses in the coming weeks.

November 2024 update

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

Complete the Shaping Hersham survey (Microsoft 365) 
No sign-in required

Complete the Shaping Hersham survey (Elmbridge Borough Council website)
 Sign-in required

In Hersham we have a village community passionate and protective of their green spaces, parks, riverside, shops and of the people within the community. They are determined for Hersham to retain its character, for residents to support each other and for their community spirit to thrive.

At the moment, Hersham community passion is being focussed on various proposed and possible developments in the Village. But we would like to expand the conversation and we have committed the following to Hersham residents and businesses:

• Engaging – we want to hear from you on your community. What you love about Hersham, what needs improving and the value placed on parks and green spaces for example.
• Collaborating – we want to work with you on the future priorities for Hersham
• Supporting – we want to support and enable your community to thrive in Elmbridge. 

With this in mind, our Shaping Hersham engagement will begin on the 23 September and run until 17 November.

The engagement will consist of face-to-face drop-in sessions to provide the opportunity for us to hear from the Hersham community first-hand and an online survey.

The face-to-face drop-in sessions will be held on Wednesday 2 October, 11:30am to 1:30pm, Wednesday 9 October, 4:30pm to 6:30pm and Saturday 9 November, 2:00pm to 4:00pm at:

Hersham Centre for the Community
7 Queens Rd, 
Hersham,
Walton-on-Thames 
KT12 5LU

The online survey will be accessible via our website and available in an alternative format if required, for residents to share their views.

“This engagement is important as it will provide the opportunity for us to hear the views of Hersham residents, guide how we work with the community and help, support and enable Hersham to thrive.” Cllr Caroline James, Portfolio Holder for Planning.

The Hersham engagement survey will be open for the duration of the engagement period, the 23 September to the 17 November.