Redhill and Horley Car Parks to Become New Homes
Why Our Car Parks Are About to Change
The familiar sight of Gloucester Road car park in Redhill and Horley’s High Street car park could soon look completely different. Reigate and Banstead Borough Council is actively pursuing plans to redevelop these town centre sites into residential spaces—potentially delivering 60 affordable and social rent flats in Redhill, with another 40 homes planned for Horley. For those of us navigating these neighbourhoods daily, this marks a significant shift in how we use our town centres. The council’s reasoning is straightforward: these brownfield sites represent rare opportunities to add much-needed housing without encroaching on our borough’s precious green spaces. As Ben Green told the council’s executive committee, “If developed, these sites have the possibility of adding significant housing and affordable housing to the borough without loss of amenity.” The project requires final approval from the newly established East Surrey Council for any deals exceeding £1 million, meaning timelines remain fluid. Yet the vision is clear—transform concrete and asphalt into homes for residents who desperately need them.
The Housing Crisis Making This Urgent
The numbers tell a sobering story about why these car park conversions matter so much. House prices across Reigate and Banstead are roughly ten times higher than average local incomes—a stark reminder of how unaffordable our community has become. Even more concerning, homelessness support requests have surged dramatically, rising from 1,385 approaches in 2022-23 to over 1,900 in 2024-25. This isn’t abstract data; these are our neighbours, friends, and community members struggling to find safe, stable housing. Local businesses and community organisations are feeling the ripple effects too. Schools, shops, and services across Redhill and Horley are increasingly stretched as housing pressures force residents further afield. For developers like those operating locally—similar to firms handling loft conversion and loft refurbishment projects across the borough—these redevelopment opportunities signal potential growth in the construction sector. Yet the broader impact extends beyond individual transactions. Every affordable flat created reduces pressure on council support services and community resources. The council’s approach prioritises keeping existing car parking spaces operational, acknowledging that residents still need them, even as housing becomes the priority.
What Happens Next—And What You Should Know
The council hasn’t yet revealed project costs, but residents should expect a gradual rollout rather than overnight transformation. East Surrey Council’s involvement means these decisions carry broader regional significance. This is your opportunity to engage with the process: stay informed through council consultations, attend local meetings, and raise concerns about parking impact with your representatives. Councillor Michael Blacker voiced legitimate worries about parking strain, and those concerns deserve addressing before final approval. However, Ben Green’s counter-argument holds weight too—the alternative to sensible brownfield redevelopment is building on greenbelt land, which would damage the green spaces we all cherish. As our communities grow, similar housing pressures will likely drive more creative redevelopment schemes across Redhill and Horley. Keep an eye on planning announcements and council updates for specific timelines and developer selections. Local business groups, residents’ associations, and housing charities should also prepare input on how these developments can best serve community needs. The conversation isn’t over—it’s just beginning. Your voice matters as these transformations unfold.
Source: Car parks in Redhill and Horley could be turned into new housing
