Views sought on new masterplan for Surrey town

Residents in one Surrey town are being invited to share their ideas about how it might look in the future.

Spelthorne Borough Council (SBC) is developing a masterplan for Staines, which will set out a vision for how the place could change and grow over the next 15 years.

However, council leader Greg Neall said that due to its current multi-million pound debts, SBC would "not be committing anything at this stage", with the scheme instead relying on "private development and investment".

He added that, aside from "the odd grumble", feedback from residents, businesses and visitors had so far been "overwhelmingly positive".

"We have a vision about where the town is going and how to make it a great place to live, work and invest," he said.

"We want to improve the river area to be more like Kingston and Richmond.

"What we have already is idyllic and historic, but we just don't make the most of it."

Neall added that more than 3000 new homes are planned, a minimum 30% of which will include affordable or social housing.

In addition, the bus station is set to be moved from its current position to make access to the local train services easier for commuters.

SBC's finances saw government-appointed commissioners intervene in its running in May 2025 over fears debts had hit £1.1bn.

SBC has since wiped more than £300m from that figure, although an official report published earlier this year said it still faced "a range of very significant challenges".

Despite that, Neall said "channels of communication" had been explored regarding Staines' development plans being taken up by West Surrey Council, one of two new unitary authorities taking control of the county in April as a result of local government reform.

"Spelthorne has always felt a bit like the forgotten borough in Surrey, and discussions have already been taking place to ensure it more a jewel in its crown," he added.

Some locals had mixed opinion about the scheme.

Liz Smith stressed the importance of the town's character being preserved and asked whether there was enough infrastructure to meet all the additional houses being built.

Meanwhile, Keith Holmes said that his "first impressions" were good, although he disagreed with moving the bus station as it would mean passengers having to cross a busy main road in order to reach the shops.

But Samantha Stenning said that she thought SBC should "leave Staines as it is".

"I'm happy with it, except there aren't enough affordable gyms," she added.

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