Article updated 19 February 2024 with correction from LDRS regarding Cllr Judy Sarsby quote. The section is ammended in bold.

Residents fighting plans to redevelop a nearby industrial estate were told that if "they don't like it then they shouldn't have lived next to an industrial estate".

Developer Logicor has been granted planning permission by Elmbridge Borough Council to build six buildings across the vacant 8,888 square metres section of Molesey Industrial Estate between Molesey and Central Avenues.

It was decided the benefits to the wider borough, including the potential to bring in up to 207 jobs, and the returning a vacant lot into use, outweighed any harm to those living nearby.

To limit some of that impact, noise from the site must be within current levels, the Tuesday, February 6, meeting heard.

Cllr Harrison Allman-Varty said: "Residents who live here, live next to an industrial estate. So there is obviously going to be an industrial estate there."

He added: "I'm surprised that the residents won't welcome the investment and I think, the improvement of what it looks like.

Addressing the issue some residents felt over a lack of consultation from the developers, Cllr Allman-Varty added: "Some of this hasn't been very thoughtful. There's been a disconnect between the consultation with residents.

"That being said our job is to review what is being presented in front of us and I don't think it's unreasonable to say that they live next to an industrial estate and so if they don't like it then they shouldn't have lived next to an industrial estate,

"I know that sounds quite blunt but that is the truth."

Ahead of the meeting, the council received 28 letters of objection arguing its overbearing impact, pollution and 24/7 usage.

The proposed plan for the industrial estate (Photo: Elmbridge Council)

The design is considered an improvement over the "mismatch of buildings" currently on the site, council papers read.

Terrence Goff, speaking on behalf of residents objecting to the plan said: "There are already traffic issues" adding that the 7pm to 7am light would be "unacceptable to residents".

He said: "Given the impact this application will have on the local area it's felt there should have been a wider consultation and more time to respond."

Mr Goff added: "This is a major redevelopment which impacts not only on the immediate residents but Molesey and the surrounding area."

Developers argued the project would bring forward the regeneration plans to support Elmbridge's growth.

The site was given permission to have a "broad range" of uses "to give the client the best chance of seeing the buildings occupied". 

The meeting heard owners Logicor would not be create a 'large scale distribution centre". 

Instead there would be "some requirement for night time working but the noise condition means they can't increase noise levels beyond the current background level".

Cllr Judy Sarsby said: "You are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of your own home so to say 'well if you live by a pub and suddenly the pub is taken over as a rave joint you've got no reason to object'. I rather feel – and I actually sat on a licensing committee for that one so know it happens, I rather feel that's not fair."

Cllr Laurence Wells said: "If we look broadly at the area it's run down and I think an empty industrial industrial estate is exacerbating the situation. By putting in investment into the location one would hope the net benefit would be beneficial to the residents who would hopefully see some vibrancy return to the environment."