Plans for the regeneration of Merstham have been given the green light.

Borough councillors have given the thumbs-up to proposals put forward by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Raven Housing Trust to improve the Portland Drive area.

Now the search for a private sector developer partner can continue with the assurance to developers that the principles of the regeneration scheme are acceptable in planning terms.

The plans in the updated Merstham Estate Local Centre Planning Framework incorporated feedback from local residents following the consultation held with them over the summer.

The consultation, which saw more than 180 people visit an exhibition mounted at the Merstham Community Facility, and more than 200 feedback forms returned, found that residents were broadly in favour of the proposals, and most agreed that something needed to be done to improve the area.

The main findings included that residents wanted to keep key local shops on the estate, and in particular takeaways, the Post Office, dry cleaners and a pharmacy, most would prefer a ground floor community hub on the old Iron Horse pub site, and most would like the community hub to include the library, provide internet access and be a meeting place for local groups.

People also said they wanted a mix of housing and were keen to see improvements to open spaces.

Some raised concerns about parking and the new housing creating pressure on local services.

A further suggestion made was to rename Portland Drive if it is redeveloped.

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

Coun Bramhall said: “We are pleased that residents are supportive of our ambition to provide better housing, create more centralised facilities and improve the quality of the shops, public spaces and links between homes and facilities.

“It is great that so many people took the opportunity to tell us their views and I’d like to thank everyone that took part in the consultation.

“We should know by next summer if our plans can be delivered.”

Raven Housing Trust is currently seeking a private sector developer partner for the scheme, and earlier this month held an open day for interested companies. The adoption of the Planning Framework will help to give developers confidence that the principles of the regeneration scheme are acceptable in planning terms. If a suitable development partner is found, they will consult residents about the design of the redevelopment next year.

The updated Merstham Estate Local Centre Planning Framework was adopted by the borough council’s Executive in November.

The Merstham regeneration proposals include a new local shopping centre on part of the ‘triangle’ site, on the corner of Portland Drive and Bletchingley Road, made up of five to seven shops, including a small mainstream food store.

The proposals also include new homes to replace the existing flats and shops on Portland Drive, a new community hub to improve access to local services and to include Merstham library, the borough council’s Help Shop and the services run from the Merstham Community Facility, and the redevelopment of Purbeck Close to provide more new homes.

Improvements to public spaces, roads and pedestrian links in and around Portland Drive, and new housing on the current library site, if the library moves to the new hub, are also featured.

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.

For more details visit the council's website: www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/mersthamregeneration