The council is seeking to update existing planning conditions for the Mill Road depot in Esher, Surrey, to better reflect current operational demands for waste, recycling, and street cleaning services. The proposed changes aim to enhance the safe and efficient completion of collections while maintaining restrictions on vehicle use during school times on Douglas Road and The Woodlands, with limited exceptions.
Since the original application in January 2026, revisions have been made in response to resident concerns regarding noise, disturbance, and operating hours. The weekday finish time has been adjusted to 6pm from the initially proposed 8pm, while the 6am start time on weekdays and Saturdays has been retained to provide operational flexibility. The council is also investing £100,000 in road improvements around the depot in collaboration with Surrey Highways.
The application, reference 2026/1278, aims to provide greater operational flexibility without physical changes to the depot site. Without these updates, the council anticipates needing additional vehicles and crews, potentially leading to increased costs and more council vehicles on local roads.
“"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."
A drop-in session for residents was held on Tuesday 9 June 2026, at the Lower Green Community Centre, Farm Road, Esher, KT10 8AU, from 4pm to 8pm. The application and amended documents are available for public comment until 10 November 2026.
