Esher Rugby Club: Improving facilities and creating new homes
Ashill Commercial are bringing forward plans to redevelop Esher Rugby Club at 369 Molesey Road, KT12 3PF. The proposals would modernise the club’s facilities and create new homes and landscaping that complements the local area.
What’s proposed
A new sports centre with modern rugby club facilities and a sports hall.
A stadium formed by two senior pitches, plus additional playing pitches and new community space.
Around 190 new homes, mostly low-rise and designed to reflect nearby neighbourhoods.
Landscaping and biodiversity improvements, with a target of delivering a net gain in biodiversity.
Where and what’s around the site
The site covers around 12.4 hectares across three parcels. It sits west of Molesey Road, with nearby homes to the south and west and open land and water infrastructure to the north.
What is EIA screening?
Some developments must be checked to see if a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required. This early step, called EIA screening, asks whether the project is likely to have significant effects on the environment. It looks at topics like air quality, noise, traffic, ecology, flood risk, ground conditions, heritage, human health, and climate.
We’ve submitted an EIA Screening Report to Elmbridge Borough Council. Based on the work to date and with standard mitigation in place, the report concludes the proposals do not require a full EIA because no likely significant environmental effects are anticipated. The Council will now review and issue its formal screening opinion.
Key topics we assessed
Air quality & noise: Existing levels are generally well within objectives; construction will follow best-practice dust and noise controls.
Traffic & access: Multiple access points from Molesey Road; a Travel Plan will promote walking, cycling and public transport.
Ecology: Surveys inform measures for bats, reptiles and nesting birds; landscaping aims for biodiversity net gain.
Ground conditions: Historic landfill in the central parcel is capped; further investigation and standard safeguards (e.g., gas protection if needed) will accompany construction.
Flood risk & drainage: A level-for-level flood compensation approach maintains or improves flood storage; sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) (e.g., swales, permeable paving, basins) will manage runoff.
What happens next?
We are introducing our early proposals to the local community and we’ll be back soon with details of a public consultation, where you’ll be able to view our emerging designs, ask questions, and give feedback before a planning application is submitted.
