Mole Valley Masterplan

Published on: 4 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 5 Nov, 2024

An example of a segregated cycle path and verge planting. Image Mole Valley District Council

By Chris Caulfield

local democracy reporter

Defining visions for the future of two towns nestling the Surrey Hills are being decided.

Mole Valley District Council, home of iconic landmarks such as Box Hill and Leith Hill, has commissioned a design team to carry out what it calls “masterplans” into Great and Little Bookham – and Dorking town centre.

Decisions are expected to be formalised early next year – with resident feedback said to play a major role.

For Dorking, the council hopes to improve people’s first impression as they arrive into the town, as well as creating a slower traffic environment that supports cycling and addresses crash hotspots.

Dubbed Dorking Gateway, the council wants people approaching from Deepdeene Roundabout to experience a greater sense of arrival.

Map showing Dorking, Little Bookham and Great Bookham Apple maps

The council is also seeking to create a more attractive civic hub around the “important cluster of cultural, leisure and civic buildings with improved amenity for people spending time in the public spaces outside these locations”.

To achieve this aim Mole Valley District Council is looking to improve how pedestrians access and experience the space around Dorking Halls.

The Eastern Curve and Heart of Dorking sections would be upgraded to create a “consistent and coherent standard in keeping with a busy and historic town centre environment” to “reflect its historic role as a marketplace”.

Bookham village centre suffers from “traffic and a car dominated environment that negatively impacts the heritage of this historic core”, the council said as it seeks to address these long-standing issues and celebrate more fully the town’s heritage and cultural links through schemes such as blue plaque trails or a visitor centre.

“Visitors to Polesden Lacey or Box Hill rarely visit the village centre of Bookham, due to the disconnection and lack of wayfinding at Lower Shott”, according to documents released to encourage people to have their say on the town centre masterplans.

Cllr Margaret Cooksey

Cllr Margaret Cooksey, cabinet member for planning said: “We’re pleased to present these concept ideas for Bookham and Dorking Town Centre, and we’re keen to hear from residents and businesses during this important stage of the process.

“While these ideas are still in the early stages and subject to further development, your feedback will help shape a future vision for both areas. It’s important to note that no funding has been secured yet to deliver these plans, but this consultation is a vital step in understanding what could be possible, and ensuring any future improvements reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities.”

The studies into the towns are being funded from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund – which expires at the end of March 2025.

The public consultation runs for six weeks until December 5, after which design ideas will be formalised ahead of being voted on by councillors in early 2025.

The report read: “Subject to approval, a masterplan for both these areas will define a vision that could be taken forward subject to funding being secured.”

To have your say visit Mole Valley District Council’s consultation page.