A multi-million pound regeneration scheme to build new shops, community facilities and homes in Merstham has been given the go-ahead by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s Planning Committee.

The plans are part of a joint initiative between the borough and county Councils and the Raven Housing Trust to improve the Portland Drive area.

A new food store and three shops will be built on the council-owned Iron Horse pub site, Ten shared equity flats will be built above, on behalf of Raven, to provide more homes that local people can afford.

And four restaurant/takeaway units and a new purpose-built community centre will be built on part of ‘the Triangle’, at the junction of Portland Drive and Bletchingley Road.