On the 11th of March, Elmbridge Borough Council approved plans submitted by Claudel Venture Holdings Ltd to redevelop Hersham Golf Course.

The 43-hectare land is to be transformed into what they plan to be 57 houses and 164 apartments with 246 parking spaces, also including a new GP surgery, a cafe, as well as play areas and a countryside park. While the redevelopment has some positive implications during the UK’s much talked about housing crisis, the news of the approval raised some concerns among the local community.

What are the possible impacts of this arrangement? Hersham Park would provide 221 new homes, with 50% of it designated as affordable housing, including social and affordable rent, and shared ownership. During its construction, it could create new job opportunities and generate GVA for the local economy, while the new GP surgery could improve access to healthcare for the residents in the area. The countryside park could enhance public access to nature.

Some of the biggest concerns surrounding the redevelopment are linked to environmental issues. The site will be located on what was previously considered green belt land and could possibly affect the ecosystem, leading to a loss of biodiversity, as well as disrupting natural processes such as water drainage, nutrient cycling and pollination.
The increase in population could also put a strain on the local infrastructure affecting the roads, schools and public transportation, with the increased traffic potentially exacerbating air pollution issues.

Hersham Gold Course is not the first and only one to be considered to be turned into housing. In 2023, a proposal was submitted for a “Holes to Homes” plan to redevelop Enfield Golf Course and plans for Maidenhead Golf Course were approved in February this year.