Dear Supporters,

Thank you so much for signing the “Save Red House Gardens’ Trees from Development” petition. We now have over 1,000 verified signatures from people who care deeply about preserving this cherished green space — including its mature trees, wildlife habitat, and community value. Your support has helped raise awareness of what could be irrevocably lost if the proposed development goes ahead unchanged.

We have heard from many of you about the importance of not only protecting trees above ground, but also safeguarding their root systems, access to light, and long-term health. At present, clear and accessible information about the full extent of tree loss and long-term impacts remains limited.

Within the planning application there are numerous reports and studies relating to different aspects of the proposed development. The application reference number links to all submitted documents. From reviewing the plans, and following discussions with the project’s urban design team, there is serious concern that the Giant Sequoia (Redwood) and the Holm Oak growing within it are proposed to be removed as part of the development. This area is shown as the location for proposed townhouses, and it has been suggested that the access road may be named Redwood Gardens. Many residents feel this demonstrates a troubling lack of respect for both the trees and the community that values them so deeply.

 
📣 What You Can Do Next — Submit an Objection to MO/2025/02695

The planning application MO/2025/02695 for the Bull Hill & Red House Gardens / Transform Leatherhead redevelopment is now live with Mole Valley District Council, and formal objections are urgently needed.

⚠ Deadline for objections: 14 January 2026
(Comments will still be counted up until a decision is made, but early objections are strongly encouraged.)

How to submit your objection:

📧 Email: planning@molevalley.gov.uk

✉ Please include:

Your full name
Address and postcode
Reference: MO/2025/02695
A clear written objection (it does not need to be long)
Points you may wish to raise include:

Loss of mature and ecologically valuable trees in Red House Gardens
Impact on wildlife, biodiversity, air quality, and community green space
Lack of clear or robust tree protection and long-term landscaping measures
Concerns about overdevelopment, building scale, traffic, and infrastructure
💡 Tip: A short, personal objection is absolutely valid — clarity matters more than length.

 
🙏 Thank You — Every Objection Counts

Thank you again for standing up for Leatherhead’s green spaces. The petition has helped demonstrate just how many local people care about protecting what makes our town special. Submitting a formal objection to the planning application is now one of the most powerful ways to influence the decision-making process.

Below is a template objection letter that you are very welcome to copy, paste, edit, and send to planning@molevalley.gov.uk.

 
TEMPLATE

Subject: Objection to Planning Application MO/2025/02695 – Loss of Trees and Green Space

Dear Planning Officer,

Re: Planning Application MO/2025/02695 – Land at Bull Hill and Swan Shopping Centre, Leatherhead

I am writing to formally object to the above planning application.

I am extremely concerned about the proposed loss, damage, or long-term degradation of mature trees and green space associated with this development, including those within and adjacent to Red House Gardens and the wider Bull Hill area. These trees form an important part of Leatherhead’s environmental infrastructure and provide irreplaceable benefits to the community.

In particular, I wish to raise the following objections:

Loss of mature trees and canopy cover
Mature trees cannot be quickly or meaningfully replaced. Their removal would result in permanent loss of ecological value, visual amenity, carbon storage, and natural cooling.
Impact on biodiversity and wildlife habitat
The affected trees and green spaces support birds, insects, and other wildlife. The application does not convincingly demonstrate how biodiversity net gain will be achieved or safeguarded.
Insufficient protection for retained trees
Where trees are proposed to be retained, there is insufficient detail regarding root protection areas, soil compaction, drainage changes, shading, and long-term tree health.
Loss of community amenity and wellbeing
Green spaces and mature trees are vital for residents’ mental and physical wellbeing and contribute significantly to the character and liveability of Leatherhead.
Conflict with planning policy
The proposal appears contrary to policies intended to protect existing trees, green infrastructure, and biodiversity, and to promote genuinely sustainable development.
For these reasons, I believe the application would cause unacceptable environmental and community harm. I respectfully request that Mole Valley District Council refuse the application, or require substantial revisions to avoid tree loss and ensure enforceable long-term protections.

Please confirm that this objection has been received and will be fully considered.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address / Postcode]
[Date]

 
If you have friends, neighbours, or colleagues who have not yet objected, please share this information with them. Each adult (18+) in a household can submit their own objection, and each one is counted separately.

Together, we can make our voices heard. 🌿