The Business, Infrastructure and Growth Committee of Spelthorne Borough Council met on 11 September 2025, and agreed to recommend to the Full Council that it supports the Heathrow Southern Rail link proposal, conditional on trains stopping at Staines, evidence that the proposal will not harm Staines Moor or increase flood risk, and agreement on detailed terms. The committee also agreed to progress the development of a Business Improvement District for Ashford town centre, and to close the Spelthorne Business Hub at the Summit Centre, relocating it to the Council Offices.

Heathrow Southern Rail Link Proposal

The committee was asked to consider the findings of an all-party working group regarding the Heathrow Southern Rail (HSR) link proposal and an alternative Southern Light Rail (SLR) scheme. The committee voted to recommend to the Full Council that it supports the HSR proposal, conditional on:

• Trains stopping at Staines
• Evidence that the proposal will not harm Staines Moor, a site of special scientific interest, or increase the groundwater flood risk in the area
• Reviewing and agreeing detailed terms of the HSR link proposal

Councillor Chris Bateson, Deputy Leader of the Council, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, the report author, stated that the HSR would provide a direct link from Staines to Heathrow Airport, promoting economic growth and providing a sustainable method of travel to the airport. He added that of the two options, HSR is the:

• Least damaging to the environment and street scene
• Most practicable
• Supported by Heathrow Airport Limited
• Least intrusive in terms of privacy for local residents
• Places fewer demands on council resources

The report noted concerns about the environmental impact on Staines Moor and the potential increase in groundwater flood risk. It also raised concerns about how increased car traffic to the new station would be accommodated without causing congestion.

The report stated that the option to support SLR was not recommended because of the detrimental impact on the street scene in Staines of having overhead tracks in the town centre, the loss of privacy to residents along its path, the detrimental effect on Staines Moor, and the diversion of senior officers' time away from running the council.

The committee heard that HSR has suggested that a link to the Elizabeth line could also be constructed, but that this was the responsibility of Transport for London (TfL), not HSR.

The committee was provided with a HSR presentation and a SLR presentation.

Ashford Business Improvement District (BID) Feasibility Study

The committee was asked to agree to progress the development of a Business Improvement District (BID) for Ashford Town Centre. The committee voted to progress the development of the BID proposal to the next stage and note the feasibility study undertaken by consultants Heartflood.

A BID is a defined area where businesses collaborate to invest in local improvements, funded by a levy on business rates¹.

The Ashford BID AUG 25 report noted that Ashford town centre faces challenges including high street decline, vacant units, and limited local promotion. A BID would provide a business-led mechanism to deliver targeted investment and initiatives to improve the town's vitality and economic resilience.

The feasibility study revealed moderate support among local businesses, with 61% of respondents in favour of testing a BID proposal through a formal ballot. The study recommended further engagement to build consensus, particularly around the affordability of the levy and its potential impact on smaller businesses.

The report considered three options:

1. Progress development of the BID proposal (recommended)
2. Do not pursue the BID proposal but support Ashford through a coordinated multi-agency approach
3. Decide not to pursue a BID proposal for Ashford at this time

The report noted that developing the BID to ballot stage is estimated to cost £40,000–£50,000, with Spelthorne Borough Council bearing the full financial risk.

The committee was provided with a copy of MHCLG - Information and Guidance on Business Improvement Districts.

Spelthorne Business Hub Closure

The committee was asked to make a decision on the future of the Spelthorne Business Hub, as the Summit Centre, its current location, is being sold. The committee voted to:

1. Agree to the closure of the Spelthorne Business Hub at the Summit Centre, Sunbury by 31 March 2026
2. Relocate the Business Hub to the Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames
3. Approve the continuation of the Council's Business Support Service, delivered independently of the Hub premises

The Spelthorne Business Hub Relocation 1 report stated that the sale of the Summit Centre enables the council to pay down debt and make ongoing annual budget savings. The report considered alternative locations for the Hub, including Communications House in Staines-upon-Thames, and Elmbrook House in Sunbury-on-Thames.

The report recommended closing the Hub once the Summit Centre is sold, relocating the Hub to the Council Offices, and continuing to deliver the Business Support Service virtually or via alternative venues.

The report noted that space has been identified in the Council Offices which will allow up to 14 businesses to be supported. It added that the Council already pays business rates and maintains the building, so there would not be an increase in operating costs, but a modest income can be achieved to offset some of these ongoing revenue costs.

The report included the following appendices:

• Appendix A Spelthorne Business Hub Overview 1
• Appendix B Business support service overview 1
• Appendix C Spelthorne Business Hub 5 year revenue forecast 1
• Appendix D Relocation of the Spelthorne Business Hub 1

Thameside House Disposal

The committee considered a report regarding the disposal of Thameside House, Staines.

The committee was asked to recommend to Full Council to:

• Approve the disposal of Thameside House to the preferred bidder (A)
• Delegate authority to the Group Head of Assets to agree any variations to the terms of the disposal
• Delegate authority to the Group Head of Corporate Governance to enter into a transfer to complete the disposal

The Thameside House Report stated that a disposal would bring an end to the holding costs for the site, which are rising significantly and would equate to £2.5m per annum from 2025-26. The report added that the disposal would contribute towards the financial resilience of the Council by generating a capital receipt.

The offers received were based on conversion of the existing building to residential use via permitted development rights². As there is no new build housing being created, this does not provide for the delivery of affordable housing.

The report noted that the preferred bidder's original offer was increased at best bid stage but remained c.£285,000 less than Bidder B's. Bidder A then increased their offer by a further £500,000.

The committee resolved to exclude the public and press for part of the discussion of this agenda item due to the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular person.