Elmbridge Borough Council has provided an update on the planning application for the Mill Road depot (application reference 2026/1278), with further technical information submitted and a public consultation currently underway. The application is expected to be considered at a planning meeting in December 2026.

The proposed changes to the depot’s operating conditions reflect increased demand for waste, recycling, and street cleaning services since 2016. The Council states these updates will help crews complete collections safely and efficiently while maintaining important restrictions to minimise the impact on local residents.

Key Changes and Community Concerns

Following feedback from residents, the Council has amended the original proposals submitted in January 2026. Notable changes include:

• Earlier weekday finish: The proposed Monday to Friday closing time has been reduced from 8pm to 6pm.
• School-time vehicle restrictions retained: Restrictions on council vehicles using Douglas Road and The Woodlands during school times remain, with limited exceptions for vehicle breakdowns or staff sickness to ensure collections can be completed within permitted hours.
• 6am start time maintained: The depot would continue to operate from 6am Monday to Saturday, allowing flexibility to manage disruptions and avoid school drop-off traffic.
• Road improvements: In response to concerns about road conditions and noise, the Council is investing £100,000 in road improvements around the depot in partnership with Surrey Highways.

The Council emphasises that there are no proposed physical changes to the depot site as part of this application.

Background and Next Steps

The current planning conditions limit operating hours and access arrangements, which the Council says restricts the efficiency and safety of waste collection services. Without updating these conditions, additional vehicles and crews may be required to complete the same workload within the existing hours, potentially increasing traffic and costs.

Earlier in 2026, the Council withdrew a previous application (reference 2025/3216) after receiving significant resident concerns about noise, disturbance, and operating times. The revised application reflects the feedback received and aims to balance operational needs with community impact.

Public Consultation and Engagement

The application and amended documents are open for public comment until 10 November 2026. Residents and relevant consultees are being notified and invited to provide feedback on the additional information.

Residents were also invited to a drop-in session on 9 June 2026 at the Lower Green Community Centre in Esher to meet the project team and discuss the updated proposals.

Councillor Ashley Tilling, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environmental Services and Sustainability, said:

“We have listened carefully to the feedback we received from residents, and that feedback has helped shape the revised planning application now submitted. We understand the strength of feeling locally and have taken time to review the concerns raised and reflect these where possible in the updated proposals. It is important that we can continue to deliver reliable waste and recycling services for residents, and these changes will help us do that as efficiently as possible. This drop-in session is an opportunity for residents to speak directly with us, ask questions and understand the changes we have made. I would encourage anyone with an interest to come along.”

For more information and to view or comment on the planning application, visit the Elmbridge Borough Council website.

Source: Elmbridge Borough Council — news