The regeneration of Merstham could move a step closer tomorrow.

For proposals for improvements to the estate, particularly the Portland Drive area, are to be discussed in a meeting of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s executive.

The proposals detail where new building might take place, and what sort of developments might be able to secure planning permission.

These include the redevelopment of the flats and shops in Portland Drive and the Purbeck Close site, to provide a mix of new private and affordable homes.

A local shopping centre is also proposed on the corner of Portland Drive and Bletchingley Road.

The scheme would be made up of five to seven shops, including a small mainstream food store, a public square, car parking and a recycling centre.

A new community hub to bring together a range of local services, including the borough council’s Help Shop, the Merstham Community Facility and a new library, also features among the proposals, as do improvements to public spaces and pedestrian links.

Natalie Bramhall, executive member for priority places, said: “The council and its partners are firmly committed to regenerating Merstham to improve the area for residents.”

Coun Bramhall said: “These proposals seek to improve the heart of the estate to provide better housing for local people, create more centralised facilities, improve the quality of the retail offer, and enhance public spaces and links between homes and facilities.”

She said: “If the proposals are agreed, we will talk with local people to see how we can best meet their needs, and work closely with Raven Housing Trust and other public and voluntary sector partners to identify what can be achieved in the current economic climate.”

She added: “We will be asking residents for their views on the sort of shops and services that are most important to them, the services they would like the community hub to offer, and how the environment in and immediately surrounding Portland Drive could be improved.”

The draft Merstham Estate Local Centre Planning Framework, as it is formally known, has been drawn up following consultation with residents and community groups in the area.

The consultation showed people were keen to see improvements to the Portland Drive area, local shops and access to services, and were keen to make Merstham a desirable place to live.

Jonathan Higgs, Raven’s chief executive, said: “At Raven, we are committed to investing in homes and neighbourhoods to develop local communities where people want to live.”

He said: “Our success in Merstham will depend on us working with residents, the council and local groups to effect the changes they would like to see.

“We are excited about developing these recommendations and look forward to working with local people to bring about some real and lasting change for the Merstham estate.”

The plans depend on securing private sector investment.

This will take some time, while a suitable developer is identified.

If the recommendations are agreed by the executive, the council and Raven will hold a number of information events during August and early September, so that residents and local businesses can find out more about the proposals. The dates and venues of these events will be published nearer the time.

In the meantime, for more information about the regeneration and the Merstham Estate Local Centre Planning Framework, visit the council’s website: www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk Alternatively, the draft document is available for viewing at the Town Hall, Reigate, Merstham Help Shop or Merstham Community Facility.

A borough council spokeswoman said: “Following the information events, feedback will be evaluated, and a further report will be discussed by councillors in the autumn.

“Once finalised, the planning framework will be used to guide decisions on planning applications for the various sites.”

The Merstham Estate Regeneration Plan sets out the actions the council and other public and voluntary sector service providers will take to improve the Merstham Estate for the benefit of its residents.

The plan aims to improve public services and facilities, make the estate cleaner and safer, improve youth provision, provide support to families in need, improve health, help local people to develop their skills and reduce unemployment, and help vulnerable people, such as the elderly.

The plan was drawn up by the borough council in partnership with Surrey County Council, Surrey Police, NHS Surrey, Raven Housing Trust, Reigate and Banstead Voluntary Service and other key voluntary sector service providers.

The council has committed up to £570,000 of New Growth Points funding to the Merstham Community Hub project, up to £200,000 of section 106 contributions (developer infrastructure contributions), and £50,000 of capital funds to relocate the Help Shop from Portland Drive shopping parade. The executive will be asked to reaffirm this commitment at their meeting.