South Thames

Chelgate has been providing political and community engagement and consultation support to our clients for approaching 40 years.

Over the past decade alone, we have worked on over 100 projects totalling some 53,000 dwellings and, over the last 2.5 years, we have achieved an almost 100% success rate on planning applications and local plan allocations.

To manage our growth, Chelgate Local has been split into three regions: South Thames, North Thames and Midlands. Our new South Thames region includes Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

We have worked on numerous projects across the south Thames area over the years: almost 22,000 dwellings across 26 projects in recent years. These 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 and Nick Wood-Dow, supported by Michael Hardware and Chris White. Mark lives in Brighton and is a former planning officer at  Adur and Worthing councils, Nick lives in Staines and is a former councillor in Surrey serving on a planning committee and as vice-chairman of policy and resources, and I have over 40 years development background and am a serving district and county councillor, a current district planning portfolio holder. Chris has been a councillor for over 30 years, most recently leader of St Albans Council.

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 01483 672 880 or email, or Michael Hardware, Director, on 020 7939 7989 or 07775 925 274 or email.