Work 'pausing' on car park development proposal

Plans to redevelop a car park have been paused after years of debate over what the site should be used for.

Elmbridge Borough Council had scheduled a public meeting on the Torrington Lodge site in Claygate, Surrey for later in May.

But the authority has cancelled the meeting, saying it did not "have enough clear, agreed information to support a meaningful and constructive discussion" and was "pausing work" on proposals.

Council leader Mike Rollings said: "We are stepping back until there is a clearer position and until it is right to take the next stage forward."

Plans for a Marks & Spencer foodhall at the site were shelved in 2023 after opposition from residents.

The site's future has been under discussion in the years since, according to the council.

Redevelopment suggestions have included residential development, a fitness centre and a health centre.

The 90-space site, off Hare Lane, remains in use for parking in the meantime.

The council said that with "local government reorganisation well under way", developing plans for the site "could mean spending time and money without a clear direction or local consensus".

It added that no decisions had been made on the site's long‑term future.

Elmbridge and other Surrey councils will be abolished and replaced by two unitary authorities - East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council - from April 2027.

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