South Thames

Chelgate has been providing political engagement and community consultation support to our clients for over 35 years. Over the past decade, we have worked on approaching 100 projects totalling over 50,000 dwellings alone. Almost 22,000 of those dwellings, 26 projects, have been in the South Thames region, which includes Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.

Projects have ranged from new garden communities to urban extensions, and from regeneration to energy. A selection of some key projects are included below and on our Strategic land and site promotion and housing pages.

The South Thames team is led by Mark Walker, supported by Nick Wood-Dow.   Mark lives in Brighton and Nick in Staines.

Shapley Heath Garden Community, Hampshire 

Chelgate assisted Hart District Council in the initial stages of the conception of a new garden community in Hampshire. Shapley Heath Garden Community would consist of 5,000 new homes plus associated infrastructure. Work included an extensive place survey and establishing a stakeholder forum to guide the concept and master planning.

Wisley Airfield, Guildford, Surrey

With Guildford house prices running at more than 14 times average incomes, Wisley Airfieldprovided an obvious opportunity for development. Under the proposals, the derelict airfield would be transformed into a new community of 2,000+ homes, sports, social and health facilities and parkland.

Fairoaks Garden Community, Surrey

Chelgate assisted in strategy development and the promotion of this existing airfield in Surrey through the local plan. Initial plans were for 2,500 new homes, employment and associated infrastructure.

Springfield Mill, Maidstone, Kent

The regeneration a former paper factory to create a residential oasis in the heart of the town. The Whatman paper factory, originally established some 300 years ago, once employed over 1,000 people: it is an integral part of the history of paper-making. Redrow South East proposed a development of around 200 homes very much in keeping with the history of the site and the existing Listed buildings. Chelgate assisted with political engagement and local community and stakeholder consultation for this historic site – we were a finalist in the Planning Project of the Year category of the PRCA public affairs awards in 2019.

To discuss a project in the South Thames region, please contact Mark Walker, Account Manager, on 020 7939 7950 or email.