Proposals by Leos International to begin the £50m regeneration of St Georges Business Park have been submitted to Elmbridge Borough Council.
The St Georges Gardens proposals include the demolition of the Block A business unit and its replacement with 18 new houses and 134 high quality apartments, along with basement car parking.
The site already has permitted development which allows its use to be changed from commercial use to residential creating around 198 units.
However, Leos International’s proposal seeks to enhance the opportunity. including the delivery of 5200 sq. metres of public realm which equates to one-third of the site area and comprises a landscaped boulevard, public village square and a semi-private pocket park for residents.
Mature trees on the site will be protected and the developer will also provide a series of ecological measures including butterfly boxes and dog bins throughout the site.
The new proposals also focus on carbon reduction with initiatives such as solar panels, rain water harvesting and provision for electric car-club vehicles included.
The 18 new houses along Brooklands Road have been designed in a mix of styles and heights to reflect the existing homes opposite.
Leos International has included 134 basement car parking spaces for the apartments, each of which will come with an electric car charging socket.
“This is an important proposal for the local area which addresses concerns about the delivery of new housing and environmental sustainability,” said Chris Pittock, Leos International’s planning director. “We have worked closely with the local community to make sure the design reflects the local character.
“We also want to engage with local people about the future of the planned, community multi-use building on the site.”
Leos International has revised its original proposals as a result of an extensive community consultation which started in December 2021 and highlighted several issues raised by local people, councillors and community groups. The key issues raised during the consultation included the protection of trees, a desire for first class landscaping, design and architecture, car parking and the inclusion of ecological measures.