Elmbridge Borough Council said on 27 January 2026 that it will ask its February Cabinet meeting to consider allocating up to £11.43 million toward the next phase of its Affordable Housing Delivery Plan. The move is intended to increase the supply of affordable rented homes and high‑quality temporary accommodation for people facing homelessness across the borough, with a particular focus on Walton‑on‑Thames.
According to the council, the money would be used through a mix of routes: off‑plan purchases of homes that are under construction or already consented, continuing the purchase of existing homes on the open market for use as affordable housing, and a Small Sites Initiative. Under that initiative Elmbridge says registered provider Storm Housing Group will buy several small development sites that already have planning consent, oversee construction, and the council will then acquire the affordable homes to let to households on the local housing register.
The council has identified several Walton‑on‑Thames sites as part of its delivery planning, including Rivernook Farm and the car park at Walton‑on‑Thames train station. It is also continuing the ‘Shaping Elm Grove’ programme, which is exploring options that could include an NHS Neighbourhood Health Hub and, depending on space and negotiations with site occupants, some affordable homes.
The funding proposal is part of Elmbridge’s wider budget papers published on 27 January 2026 and will be considered at the council’s February Cabinet meeting. The council says it is seeking to secure housing support before the planned transition to the new East Surrey Council on 1 April 2027.
Residents are encouraged to check the council website for planning milestones and engagement updates on projects such as Elm Grove; the council notes that earlier engagement included drop‑in sessions and a residents’ survey in November–December 2024.
Elmbridge says these steps are designed to respond quickly to local housing need while making efficient use of existing planning consents.
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