DEVELOPMENT IN LOWER SHOTT – A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS IN BOOKHAM
The local newspapers have recently reported a proposed development on the Lower Shott road in Bookham. Your Conservative Councillors want to answer any concerns that local people may have at this time.
First of all – this is a proposal. Nothing has been decided or negotiated by Mole Valley District Council.
What’s happened is that the Council has been approached by a developer, with proposals to develop Lower Shott in Bookham. At present the site is owned by Mole Valley District Council and Mole Valley Housing Association.
Conservative Councillor Janette Purkiss, who has responsibility for property matters on the council, says:-
"Mole Valley has been approached by a developer, who wants to build a supermarket and affordable housing units on Lower Shott in Bookham. The council had no proposals of its own for the redevelopment of this site, which at present accommodates a number of retail tenants and housing.
However, we have decided within the last couple of weeks to contact Mole Valley Housing Association to see whether they would be interested in participating in such a scheme. We have also scheduled a meeting for our Executive to decide whether this should be taken to the next stage.
If approved by the Executive, it is proposed that we approach the tenants and enter into a consultation with Bookham residents and the surrounding villages to see whether this scheme is going to produce real benefits for the community. If we feel that it is going to work, then we will enter into discussions to accommodate the existing tenants".
Obviously we have to look forward to the future. This could be an excellent opportunity for local people and local businesses but these proposals are really in the very early stages. We will consider everyone’s point of view."
Conservative Councillor John Chandler (Bookham South) says:-
"I note these proposals, and in conjunction with the other local councillors, I am keen to enter into a dialogue and consultation with local residents and businesses, on the future provision of retail services in the village."
Conservative Councillor, David Walker says:-
"Obviously we have to look to the future, and we all need to examine whether such an idea does form an excellent opportunity for homes, businesses and village facilities generally. There must be a wide-ranging discussion with affected and interested parties. This can be fully explored in the context of the non-party Bookham Plan organisation set up only this week".
Conservative Group of Councillors for Mole Valley
17th May 2008
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