#greenbelt #epsomandewell #surrey
Epsom and Ewell Times will chair a public meeting on EEBC Local Plan, featuring a panel of councillors and experts. PLEASE ATTEND:
When: Monday 13th March @7pm
Where: Wallace Fields Junior School, Dorling Drive, Ewell, Epsom KT17 3BH
More information is on the link below. Attendance can be registered and questions can be asked in advance.
#greenbelt #epsomandewell #surrey
Press Statement – Epsom & Ewell Green Belt group.
Mass protest at “unjustified” Council plans to build over 40% of all new homes on Green Belt sites
In one of the biggest residents’ protests ever held in Epsom, over 200 demonstrators waved banners, wore green or green belts, and chanted “Green not Greed” in the town centre on Saturday (February 25th). Fury was directed at not only the EEBC planners’ Draft Local Plan containing proposals to build 2,175 homes on Green Belt sites, but also the controlling Residents Association councillors group, which, it is claimed, “were asleep at the wheel” in voting Green Belt inclusion through. Over 40% of the total 5,400 Local Plan homes are destined for the Green Belt, the majority of which will be market-priced and unaffordable to those starting out on the property ladder.
Of nine “preferred options” for housing sites earmarked by the Council in the Local Plan, five are on Green Belt sites, which include Horton Farm (1,500 homes proposed) and Ewell East playing fields (350 homes, up to six storeys high).
Despite a “brownfield first” brief, planning officers have not proactively engaged with developers on central urban rejuvenation possibilities, near facilities, preferring instead to accept opportunistic bids from selected Green Belt landowners and developers.
In a welcome display of cross party support, the protestors were joined by representatives from all political parties standing in forthcoming local elections in Epsom & Ewell, including two RA councillors who had voted against their colleagues on Green Belt inclusion.
Demonstration organiser, Kathy Mingo, from the Epsom & Ewell Green Belt Group, said “It was heartening to see everyone uniting beyond party political lines against these unjustified Green Belt destruction plans, given new emerging Government guidelines that puts the focus squarely on brownfield development to meet only advisory, not mandatory, housing targets”
Alex Duval, vice-chairman of Clarendon Park Residents Association, which adjoins the Horton Farm Green Belt site said “ The data does not add up. The Council’s own reports show that the site contains a critical drainage area with high flood risk; their transport analysis recommends not taking the site forward; and reliance on outdated ONS 2014 population figures – rather than the lower 2018 and official 2021 Census figures – means Epsom’s housing needs are significantly overstated. The real housing need can be accommodated on brownfield alone, without any Green Belt destruction. Their own evidence is clear – the Council should save our Green Belt”
Tim Murphy, a Vice President of CPRE Surrey and chair of Epsom’s CPRE group, said “CPRE’s experience is that, once sites are listed in a Council’s Local Plan as a “preferred option” for development, then, in 99% of cases, they eventually get developed. So EEBC has already put a number of Green Belt sites at real, permanent risk by identifying them for housing in its Draft Local Plan, which may not be justified as current Government policy on Green Belt evolves”
“Many RA councillors’ seats may now be at risk in May if they do not join the minority of their colleagues in clearly stating their policy objection to unjustified Green Belt destruction” said Jenny Coleman, chair, Ewell Downs Residents Association. “It is clear, not least from a residents petition signed by over 7,000, but also from this impactful, united residents protest, that many think the RA councillors have been rather asleep at the wheel. They must listen to the voice of the people”
The EEBC Draft Local Plan is out to public consultation until March 19th. It can be viewed at https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/local-plan – emailed comments can be sent to localplan@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
For more information and to sign the petition, please visit https://www.epsomgreenbelt.org
#greenbelt #epsom #westparkhospital
The site for West Park Hospital is in West side of Epsom, KT19, between Christ Church Road and Horton Lane. The site is between Green Belt land at Epsom Common and Horton Country Park.
The hospital was slowly run down from the mid-1990s, and by 2003 most of the hospital was closed and derelict. In November 2010, demolition began of the former hospital buildings. As of April 2011, most of the central buildings had been cleared with only a limited number of wards, the water tower and administration building being retained for conversion to apartments. These were retained in the Noble Park housing development which was completed in April 2012.
Volunteers are required for leaflet drops in the area around West Park Hospital. Please contact epsomgreenbelt@gmail.com
The information below has been extracted from Epsom & Ewell Draft Plan,
Planning for Places section, from page 98. Full details are on the link below.
https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/local-plan
What is the site to be allocated for?
4.38 The site is allocated for residential development, comprising:
Summary reason for allocation
4.39 The site will contribute towards meeting the need for housing in the borough.
4.40 The site comprises of two parcels north and south of existing West Park Hospital residential area. The areas are currently previously developed land within the Green Belt, consisting of buildings that are currently in use as part of the original West Park Hospital operation which are no longer fit for purpose.
4.41 The site lies adjacent to existing residential creating a suitable context for residential development and lowering the risk of adverse landscape impacts.
When will the site be developed?
4.42 It expected that a planning application will be submitted in the early part of the plan period with development likely to start by 2027.
Key information
Site Constraints and Mitigation
Specific Infrastructure Requirements
4.43 The NHS may require the provision of some floorspace for healthcare needs, however there is currently no certainty as to whether there will be a need for such floorspace.
Availability
4.44 The site is available now.
Deliverability
4.45 The site is in single ownership.
4.46 A Local Plan viability assessment has been prepared to support the draft Local Plan. The initial findings of this work indicate that the development of this site is viable when taking account of potential sales values and costs associated with development (including the provision of affordable housing). Further detailed viability work will be undertaken as the Local Plan progresses.
4.47 The site is considered to be developable as it is located in a suitable location for housing development, the site is confirmed as available and could be viably developed at the point envisaged.
#greenbelt #epsom #hookroadarena
Hook Road Arena is between Chessington Road and Horton Lane in KT19, Epsom. A very large open space, which can be hired to accommodate public events. Parts of the area are available for informal recreation at other times.
The Arena is used annually as the site for the Firework Display organised by the 7th Epsom (Methodist) Scout Group and for other open air events and funfairs.
The information below has been extracted from Epsom & Ewell Draft Plan,
Planning for Places section, from page 113. Full details are on the link below.
https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/local-plan
Volunteers are required for leaflet drops in the area around Hook Road Arena.
Please contact epsomgreenbelt@gmail.com
What is the site to be allocated for?
4.76 The site is allocated for residential and sports and recreation development, comprising:
Summary reason for allocation
4.77 This site has the potential to deliver recreational sports facilities and playing pitches. The allocation of this site will mitigate any losses of playing pitches (rugby) resulting from the allocation of site SA8 – Land adjoining Ewell East Station. It may also help to meet additional playing pitch needs for ‘secure provision’ (i.e. community use is protected through a legal agreement) both now and in the future.
4.78 The site will contribute towards meeting the need for housing in the borough.
When will the site be developed?
4.79 It expected that a planning application will be submitted early in the plan period, with development likely to start in 2027.
Key information
Site Constraints and Mitigation
Specific Infrastructure Requirements
4.80 The site could deliver playing pitches and potentially other supporting infrastructure such as changing facilities and a club house.
Availability
4.81 The site is confirmed as available.
Deliverability
4.82 The site is owned by the council.
4.83 As yet, no viability assessments have been undertaken by the council to develop the site for this use.
#greenbelt #ewell #priesthill
Priest Hill Sports Ground
Three rugby pitches used by Sutton & Epsom RFC. Adjoining Ewell East Station, Cheam Road, Banstead Road. The information below has been extracted from Epsom & Ewell Draft Plan, Planning for Places section, from page 100. Full details are on the link below.
https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/local-plan
Volunteers are required for leaflet drops in the area around Priests Hill Sports ground. Please contact epsomgreenbelt@gmail.com
Site SA8: Land adjoining Ewell East Station (Greenfield)
What is the site to be allocated for?
4.66 The site is allocated for a residential led development, comprising:
Summary reason for allocation
4.67 The site will contribute towards meeting the need for housing in the borough and ancillary community infrastructure.
4.68 The site has well defined boundaries and lies adjacent to existing residential areas and adjoining Ewell East railway station, creating a suitable context for residential development and lowering the risk of adverse landscape impacts. The site is also in relatively close proximity to local services and facilities and to bus and rail transport connections. Vehicular access can be achieved without detriment to the character of the local area.
When will the site be developed?
4.69 It expected that a planning application will be submitted in the middle of the plan period with development likely to start by 2031 once new sports pitches have been provided.
Key information
Site Constraints and Mitigation
Specific Infrastructure Requirements
4.70 Provision of new retail unit(s) to provide convenience retail to meet local needs.
4.71 The loss of playing pitches will require reprovision at the Hook Road Arena site (Policy SA9). The developer will be expected to re-provide the playing pitches off site prior to development commencing to ensure that the scheme is acceptable in planning terms.
Availability
4.72 The site is confirmed as available.
Deliverability
4.73 The site is in single ownership and the developer of this site is promoting it for redevelopment.
4.74 A Local Plan viability assessment has been prepared to support the draft Local Plan. The initial findings of this work indicate that the development of this site is viable when taking account of potential sales values and costs associated with development (including the provision of affordable housing). Further detailed viability work will be undertaken as the Local Plan progresses.
4.75 The site is considered to be developable as it is in a suitable location for housing development, the site is confirmed as available and could be viably developed at the point envisaged.
We have added an FAQ page on our web site to give guidance on the consultation process that has been launched for the Local Plan for Epsom and Ewell.
#greenbelt #epsom #surrey
The Frequently Asked Questions include those listed below.
What is the Greenbelt and why should it be protected?
Are there exceptional circumstances that require building on the Greenbelt now?
Were Clarendon Park, Livingstone Park, and Manor Park built in the Greenbelt, and if so, what’s different about these proposals?
There’s an area of Greenbelt on the Local Plan map that isn’t on the Priority Development list of 9 sites, does this mean it is safe from development?
Does the Draft Local Plan meet the need to supply affordable housing for lower paid workers and the homeless?
Is it permissible to submit a Local Plan which doesn’t meet the full housing need calculated under the government’s ‘Standard Method’, and can it be approved?
I heard that the Government is going to abolish the mandatory housing target and no longer require Local Authorities to review Green Belt for housing. Is this true?
The roads into Epsom are already overcrowded, particularly at peak times. What are the plans to address the additional traffic from all the new housing?
I see there are plans to build new sites for Gypsies / Travellers. How many will there be and where will these be located?
Does the Borough have to build houses on Greenbelt Land to meet the housing target?
The Ashley Centre Local Plan display states that development will be ‘Located away from areas of flood risk’. How has Horton Farm been selected for development as it regularly gets flooded?
I’m told the Council has spent £1m on preparing this plan. Would it be expensive to change direction now?
How can I help stop the destruction of the precious Greenbelt?
#greenbelt #epsom #ewell #localplan
Some of the documents that detail the local plan are large and complex.
Council Officers will be available to speak to you in person at the following places
There are likely to be plenty of questions about the Local Plan, which includes significant changes to the centre of Epsom and changes to parts of the borough that are well away from the town centre. Some of these are on Green Belt land.
Full list of Green Belt “Preferred Option” housing sites in the E&EBC Draft Local Plan:are listed below.
#Greenbelt #Epsom #Surrey
Resident fury at E&EBC’s unanimous decision to include five Green Belt sites for 2,175 houses in Draft Local Plan, to be published on 1st February.
Epsom, 31st January: Amid scenes of dramatic resident protest over Green Belt inclusion for housing, councillors on a planning sub-committee of Epsom and Ewell borough council voted unanimously last night (30th Jan) to accept its Draft Local Plan.It will be formally published tomorrow, 1st February.
Of the nine “preferred option” sites in the Plan, five are green belt sites, on which it is proposed to build 2,175 houses – over 41% of the total of 5,400 proposed up to 2040. No visionary large-scale brownfield developments for affordable homes is included, while 137 acres of green belt are now effectively blighted.
Green Belt sites for housing include four on the west side of Epsom- with a huge 1,500 home estate planned around Horton Farm, and one for 350 homes obliterating sports fields near East Ewell station. ( full list below) There was one spot of good news for the residents after a long fought campaign – as the 110 acre Downs Farm on the Reigate Road was not included in the final list.
Nearly 100 residents protested with banners as the councillors arrived at the Town Hall, with a packed public gallery adorned with “green belts” buckled to its railings in silent protest (see picture). One questioning resident took off his green belt and laid it on the Council Chambers’ speaker’s table, where it stayed for the two hour debate.
“We are furious that the RA controlled council did not fight to keep Epsom’s special character and Green Belt heritage, as is permitted under clear emerging government planning policy” said local resident Yufan Si, for the Keep Epsom and Ewell Green Belt “ There is no clear idea of where any of the much needed social infrastructure, will come from, from schools to doctors’ surgeries, as both councillors and planners admitted in the meeting”
Residents complain that the Draft Plan relies totally and lazily on a “Call for Sites”, with opportunistic developers and landowners putting forward plenty of green belt land, with only a few brownfield sites offered up. There has been no advance discussions with major town centre developers to mix new residential units with job opportunities nearer the urban centre, which most agree needs rejuvenation.
Despite written objections to the committee from the CRPE on sustainability issues and concern over the population projections, E&EBC failed to follow the lead of other local councils. Mole Valley voted to remove all Green Belt from its Local Plan, and Elmbridge avoided all Green Belt areas by focussing on smaller 1-5 house brownfield sites – none of which are listed in Epsom’s Local Plan.
Councillors were reminded that the May Local Elections are coming up before the next stage of the Local Plan, and their legacy on supporting Green Belt sites was likely to come under scrutiny – even now, said one resident, they will have to go home to their spouses and say “Honey, I’ve shrunk the Green Belt.”
Residents wishing to preserve Epsom’s Green Belt are now urged to make written representations to EEBC in the six week Public Consultation stage which runs for six weeks from tomorrow. Sites can be added and taken away, say the Council.
Full list of Green Belt “Preferred Option” housing sites in the E&EBC Draft Local Plan:
#greenbelt #epsom #surrey
Sir Mike Penning (Hemel Hempstead) : –
Dacorum Borough Council, the Conservative-led council in my constituency, has done a fantastic job of building new houses, including social housing and council houses. Can the Prime Minister assure me that we will not be pushed into the green belt any more than we already have been and that we can protect the Chilterns in my constituency?
The Prime Minister :-
I join my right hon. Friend in praising his local council for ensuring we build homes in the right places so that our young people can fulfil the dream of home ownership. He is also right to say that this Government will always protect our precious green spaces. The recent changes in our planning reforms will ensure that we can protect the green belt everywhere. His local community and others will benefit from those protections as we keep our local areas beautiful.
Epsom Green Belt hope that Epsom & Ewell Borough Council change their ways and learn from the direction of UK Government. In recent years, there has been significant development on Green Belt approved by E&EBC.
Opinion Piece – #greenbelt #epsom #surrey
– Saving of Downs Farm only bright spot , as brownfield priorities missed
Given the Government’s “brownfield first” brief, it looks like the planners did not get the memo. They certainly did not get the new memo from Government saying that it is not necessary to review Green Belt for housing. And they appear not to have taken the hint from neighbouring Elmbridge, who creatively avoided any Green Belt destruction, and Mole Valley, whose councillors this month voted unanimously to remove all Green Belt sites from its Local Plan.
Out of 5,400 new homes proposed in the Draft Local Plan (2023-2040) , with Epsom & Ewell BC councillors due to take a final Section 18 publication decision on 30 January, some 2,175 homes (almost 41%) are earmarked to be built on the borough’s Green Belt land.
Of nine “Preferred Option” development sites proposed, five are Green Belt – with Downs Farm, where 650 homes were proposed, only narrowly missing the cut after a huge campaign by residents.
Over 55 hectares – or some 137 acres – of Green Belt land could be sacrificed. The plans include one gigantic estate of some 1,500 homes on land around Horton Farm, which will have its Green Belt status stripped away.
The “Preferred Options” for Green Belt development are:
Only on its own land can the Council specify 100% affordable homes – the rest will be 40% at best, as developers have many canny ways to get round this stipulation and build more profitable higher end housing.
The Council even admits that they have already taken some slugs of Green Belt land for housing, on the NESCOT campus and the five hospitals housing developments – but they need more.
There is a whole Appendix (Appendix 4) revealing yet more Green Belt sites that have been offered up by opportunistic developers in a “ Call for Sites” that have been mercifully excluded as “Preferred Options”. Much of the analysis seems subjective and open to question.
And then there is this – the previous Council Green Belt studies of 2017-19 have been considered out of date and a new 2022 Green Belt Study has been commissioned- but we all have yet to see this document.
EEBC needs to plunder more Green Belt, as it appears only a few brownfield landowners came forward in its “Call for Sites”. So the Plan is offering just around 1,000 homes in Epsom Town Centre until year 2040, and the same meagre number over 15 years on Urban Land Availability Assessment sites, and it reckons the same number again for existing planning permissions.
So where is the real challenge taken up, to redevelop Epsom Town surroundings, which most commentators agree could do with some rejuvenation, to say the least? Well, the Kiln Lane and Longmead industrial areas are said to be off limits, according to consultants for EEBC, because of the 1,800 jobs there. So not a single new brownfield affordable home is put forward here, with no imaginative plan to mix housing with job creation and revitalise an area close to the station, shops and entertainment facilities that many people prefer.
Smaller brownfield developments of around 5 to 10 homes each, do not seem to be in the Draft Plan either, although we may have missed the brownwood for the trees “We are left with the conclusion that the planners – and by extension our ruling Councillors – are in a “Call for Sites” trap. This has inhibited visionary thinking and pro-active engagement with urban developers on how much-needed affordable housing might be built in tandem with an exciting redevelopment programme that Epsom’s brownfield areas so desperately need” said Yufan Si, campaign leader for
Keep Epsom & Ewell’s Green Belt
“All they seem able to do about it is to bulldozer yet another field of our Green Belt heritage” said Ms Si.
24th January 2023
Keep Epsom & Ewell Green Belt 