September 6th 2024.
Residents of a quiet village in Surrey are up in arms about a proposed redevelopment plan for their local shopping center and car park. The plan, which involves replacing the Hersham Green Shopping Centre with a six-story building primarily for senior living, has caused outrage among the community. According to the residents, the development will have a detrimental effect on the area and its inhabitants.
The proposed project has sparked anger and frustration among the villagers, who fear that the loss of parking spaces and the influx of construction activity will disrupt their peaceful surroundings. They worry that the increased traffic and presence of large vehicles could also pose a danger to the school children in the area. Trisha Miller, a 68-year-old resident, expressed her concerns about losing the convenience of local shops, including her go-to store, Waitrose, and the impact it will have on her daily life.
The developers, Quadrant Repurpose, have defended their £6 million project, stating that it will secure the future of Hersham Shopping Centre, and that the residential aspect is crucial for its success. However, the residents were given until September 4 to voice their opinions on the redevelopment, and over 2,000 letters of objection were submitted. Among those objecting is Phillip Smith, a 61-year-old local who has lived in Hersham his entire life. He is furious at the prospect of the development, especially since it will involve building tall structures that will compromise his privacy and cause chaos with the added traffic.
Carol Kawoh, a 72-year-old resident, shares the same concerns regarding the impact on the elderly population in the area. She believes that the shopping center plays a vital role in their lives, providing a sense of community and accessibility for those with mobility issues. She also worries about the loss of her job at the dry cleaners, which will be forced to close due to the redevelopment. Carol has been actively campaigning against the project and has garnered support from other villagers who share her worries.
Marge Barley, a 63-year-old who works at a charity shop in the center, is also distressed about the uncertainty of her job and the impact on the community. She has been working in the same shop for 21 years and is saddened by the thought of losing her job and the sense of community that the shopping center provides. Other residents, like Gill Harrington, are concerned about the potential dangers posed by the development, such as increased traffic near the school and added pressure on local facilities, like the GP's office.
The residents have suggested alternative solutions, such as converting the empty spaces above the shops into flats, rather than building a new structure. They argue that this will have less impact on the community and provide more parking options. However, the developers have stated that they have taken community feedback into consideration and have reduced the height and massing of the proposed building by 50%.
Despite this, the residents remain steadfast in their opposition to the project, and the Agency has reached out to Quadrant Estates for their stance on the matter. In response, a spokesperson for Quadrant Repurpose reiterated their commitment to engaging with the community throughout the planning process and beyond. As the situation continues to unfold, the residents of Hersham remain united in their efforts to preserve their beloved village and its sense of community.
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