Who pays for the homes we do not build?
Dear Editor, My family moved to Epsom five years ago for many of the same reasons cited by those defending the Green Belt: the space, the schools and the feel … Read More
Category: Planning
Water shortage risk drives Surrey farm plan for irrigation pond
An east Surrey farm is seeking permission to build a new irrigation pond, as climate change has made water supply a “major operational risk”. Reid Manor Farm Limited has put … Read More
Fireworks at Epsom Council spark walk-out
Eleven councillors walked out of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council after the Mayor ruled that her father could remain in the chamber and lead a debate on the future of … Read More
Epsom Council delivers shock rejection to defibrillator kiosk
Plans to install a communications kiosk including an advertising screen and defibrillator on Epsom High Street have been refused over concerns it would harm the character of the area. The … Read More
Burgh Heath hotel plan rejected
Plans to demolish and extend a hotel by adding a further 33 bedrooms and a 72-seater restaurant have been rejected after councillors labelled it an “ugly blot”. Premier Inn had … Read More
Application to drill for oil in Surrey Hills renewed
A Green Party councillor has called for a “rethink” of oil extraction practices in the south of England after research suggested a possible link between drilling and a series of … Read More
Bitter exchanges in Epsom and Ewell Council Chamber on Local Plan oversight
A bid to force greater councillor oversight of Epsom and Ewell’s Local Plan was defeated after an extraordinary council meeting descended into bitter accusations of dishonesty, procedural obstruction and democratic … Read More
Epsom Playhouse to embrace heat pumps and trees to be felled – a planning committee’s night’s work
Last night Councillors unanimously approved the council’s own application to replace ageing air-conditioning plant at Epsom Playhouse with a modern heat pump system, in a decision expected to cut the … Read More
Whose Local Plan is it anyway?
Dear Editor, Why no review? I read with interest your article of 2 June about the recent Local Plan consultation. Mr Brown’s contention that the consultation was unconstitutional was undoubtedly … Read More
House extension fees relief coming to Surrey?
News that the Government could end the controversial house-extension taxes that slapped Waverley homeowners with huge fines or even the prospect of jail has been welcomed. The Community Infrastructure Levy … Read More
Epsom’s Woodcote Stud homes plan approved despite transport and Green Belt concerns
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has approved plans to redevelop the former Woodcote Stud site in Wilmerhatch Lane with 14 homes — half of them affordable — and expanded supported-living … Read More