The Epsom Protection Society
Newsletter 101 - Autumn 2004
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The Chairman's Commentary Geoffrey Stone
       

This summer has been characterised by a rising tide of planning applications for developments, some of which will have a significant impact on Epsom in a variety of ways. We are giving them very careful consideration and preparing detailed comments in relation to the issues raised.

Amongst the first to arrive was the proposal to replace Capital House and the adjoining car showroom building on Church Street with a mixed use development providing 163 flats and retail shops. Then came an application to build 111 flats and a retail unit on land at Station Approach known as Emperor House. There already is planning approval to build offices on this site opposite to the station and Fairview Homes have taken that approval as a starting point in developing a building for residential use.

Both developments raise significant issues for Epsom particularly in relation to their visual impact. The sites are large, in prominent positions in the town centre and the height and bulk of the blocks will require careful treatment if they are to be compatible within the surrounding townscape. In effect they would result in the creation of over 270 new housing units in the centre of Epsom on sites where at present no one is living.

The application for Outline Planning Permission for redevelopment of South Hatch Stables at the top of Burgh Heath Road also raises important issues. This proposes the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of new racehorse training facilities including 80 stables and a related hostel. It also proposes the building of five blocks of ten flats alongside the road all within the Green Belt. You will have read in the local papers the public response that this has created. Our view is that, whilst we support the continuation and expansion of racehorse training in Epsom, it cannot be right to make it dependant on the building of new and unrelated housing on a vulnerable site on the Downs.

The public exhibition about the proposed Kiln Lane link road under the railway line was well done. Your committee remain to be convinced about its real value for Epsom and the A24. The consequential effect of increased traffic volumes at each end of the link does not seem to have been adequately catered for. We shall see whether, in response to comments, the engineering has been improved when it emerges for planning permission.

Summer also brought the Epsom Common Day celebrating 30 years of the Epsom Common Association. We mounted our third exhibition in splendid weather but were plagued by an increasingly gusty wind that threatened to destroy our display panels. National Counties Building Society had kindly loaned a splendid gazebo and we had a successful and rewarding day in terms of the volume and interest of visitors and the recruitment of new members. We were joined by the Mayor and Mayoress and by Chris Grayling MP who, with his wife, became members.

We are embarking on the next series of talks this autumn, beginning on 4th November when Nick Ide, Chief Planning Officer for the Borough, will talk about the future of Epsom from a planning viewpoint. I do hope you can come!

Planning Alan Baker

In spite of the many large schemes that have been built, there is still development potential in a town the size of Epsom; in some cases new buildings would indeed be an improvement, subject to size and design; in others owners might see a financial advantage whereas the proposals would not in our view be acceptable. There are examples of each in this issue. Please bear in mind that these notes are only a selection of the many cases we look at.

31 High Street, Epsom: I reported last time that we opposed the change of use of this shop adjoining the footpath to the Town Hall car park to an amusement centre. In Planning Committee the interesting point was made that, although the proposed use was seen as undesirable, this was not necessarily a valid planning reason for refusal. Voting was equally divided and the Chairman's casting vote went with the officers' recommendation to permit. It was hoped that there would be provision for improving the adjoining footpath.

Site of Epsom Downs School, Grosvenor Road: A further scheme was considered by the June Planning Committee. This was a great improvement as the houses at the rear of the site had been omitted but, instead of spreading out the eight frontage houses, an additional one had been inserted, resulting in narrow units with high roofs. We said we thought the scheme was much better but would be further improved by spreading the original eight houses on wider plots. Interestingly, the Committee took this point and refused the application. Hopefully, this minor amendment will be made and will win a permission so the site can at last be developed.

Capital House and 4 Church Street: These buildings are the carpet shop with offices over and the adjoining garage with workshops behind, all backing on the Town Hall car park. The only interesting building is the Art Deco garage, but it is so altered that it is no longer worth preserving. The proposal is for blocks totalling 163 flats round a courtyard with substantial retail frontage. This is, therefore, a major town centre development. We said, among other things, that there could be advantages to the land being redeveloped but the proposals were too bulky and too high and the design bland and uninteresting. This will go to the September Committee but it seems clear that a lot of work has to be done to make the proposals acceptable. Watch this space!

South Hatch Stables, Burgh Heath Road: An important outline application for land within the Green Belt. These are substantial, old-established stables licensed as two yards of 30 horses each. They have become dilapidated and out-dated and refurbishment would be impracticable. The application is to re-site the stables on lower ground away from the road to a modern standard, with accommodation for staff. We support the retention and improvement of the racing industry in Epsom and would tend to raise no objection in principle to such a re-organisation of important stables. There is often a "however" and in this case the intention is to pay for the new stables by replacing the existing stables with 50 flats in five blocks along the Burgh Heath Road frontage; and we have objected in principle to such a development within the Green Belt.

Emperor House, Station Approach: Some years ago planning permission was given for offices in Station Approach on the land opposite the station. It was to include a pedestrian route to replace Station Way from the High Street to the station, and it is already possible to walk this route through the car park that was built at the same time as the Wilkinson's premises. With the change in market conditions, the offices were never built and the land has been taken over by Fairview Homes. We are considering an application for 111 flats on the site, with a shop on the corner of Waterloo Road, and it is likely that we shall, as often, be criticising the height and bulk.

1- 5 and 7- 9, Windmill Lane: We are also looking at these applications to replace existing bungalows with flats: and we know that local people are very opposed to these proposals.

The Downs John Murray

At a recent Conservators' meeting the following items have been discussed:

(1) The trainers remain concerned that a serious accident will occur, whether to racehorses or members of the public, arising from the excessive speeds generated by cyclists on the Downs' bridleways and footpaths. It is hoped, with the assistance of Surrey County Council Rights of Way Officer, agreement will be reached whereby some paths/bridleways will be used solely by horses and others exclusively by cyclists.

(2) The Conservators are submitting a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Arising from recent discussions with HLF, it is felt financial assistance may be given for the following purposes: - Provision of an education/visitor centre linked to improvements to the Prince's Stand to enhance its original historic character - the intention being to continue to use it as a stand on race days, but on all other days of the year as an educational centre. - Implementation of the Habitat Management Plan. - Works to encourage cyclists to use new designated/signed routes on the Downs.

(3) Negotiations continue between Conservators and Surrey C.C. Highway Department concentrated on a proposed new Road Safety Measure at Walton Road/Langley Vale Bridleway, Burgh Heath Road and Langley Vale Road. It is possible in the latter two cases that speed cushions will be introduced coupled with a new 30/40 mph speed limit on the Downs. Obviously, in the former case, negotiations are finely balanced as contemplated in note (1) above.

(4) The clear up of the Downs after the Derby went very smoothly this year as a result of black refuse bags being issued to every car this year; previously, they were only given to coaches. The Downs looked reasonably clean on the Wednesday after the Derby and, moreover, all fencing was removed by 17th June. We also concur in the Racecourse's view that requests for rubbish to be re-cycled should be refused as otherwise much delay in the clearing up operation will result, contrary to the best interest of users of the Downs.

(5) The Conservators continue to reject requests from members of the public for new seats on the Downs. While we support this basic principle to maintain openness and tradition of the Downs, nevertheless, we feel another two or three seats (in similar rustic design to the present seats) could be placed along the fringes of six mile hill, thereby enabling members of the public to contemplate splendid views across to Headley.

(6) Epsom Downs Racecourse (EDH, as successors to United Racecourses) have notified the Conservators of their intention to submit planning applications to create a new grandstand to replace the existing 'run down' grandstand. Along with many other interested parties, we will look closely at the planning application, although we are optimistic that it will improve the visual appearance of the Downs and enhance the long time future of the Derby.

(7) Michael Haynes will be vacating shortly his yard above Tattenham Corner. His landlords/ freeholders EDH have informed the Conservators that they intend to sell some of this land to a purchaser who, in turn, wishes to 'house up' to 50 - 60 horses. Again, any planning application or request for Conservators' consent will be closely monitored.

(8) Lastly (and by no means least) EDR has provided the Conservators with a Planning Programme regarding their wish to create a hotel within the area of the Downs on which the Old Paddock and decrepit Tote Buildings stood. It is anticipated that a planning application will be received by the Planning Committee within the next few weeks, and it is possible that the Conservators consent will be requested at their forthcoming meeting on 19th October.

At this stage no plans have been seen but, nevertheless, our initial thoughts are cautiously optimistic for the following reasons:
(a) Due to the natural contour of the land within the Old Paddock area, we hope that it may transpire that any hotel would not be visible from the centre of the Downs.
(b) We assume the present ugly old buildings will be demolished.
(c) Any hotel will be used for overnight stays by stable staff and other representatives accompanying racehorses to the Downs: this said, we concede that we do not know who, it is anticipated, will occupy the hotel at times when racing is not taking place. (d) The Derby will increasingly become a more international event and any such hotel must enhance EDR's attempt to ensure that it retains its world wide status as the world's most important race.

Cause for Celebration Malcolm Boyd

It is occasionally permissible to take some credit for good things that have happened in the Borough. When planning permission was being sought for the refurbishment of the Rubbing House on the Downs, representatives of the Society met with the architects and put across our views on certain aspects of the development. The pub (see photograph below) has now been open for many months and the refurbishment provides a pleasing blend of the old with the new. We are particularly pleased with the retention of the attractive ironwork, both on the balcony and on its vertical ground level supports.

Membership Ishbel Kenward

Thank you again to the volunteers who came forward to leaflet the new houses on the Hospital Estates. That was the good news - the bad news is that the response was very poor. However, the Epsom Common Day (more of that elsewhere in the Newsletter) was very successful with 26 new members recruited. I believe this proves that personal contact is the best way to recruit new members. Hopefully, our Exhibition in the Ashley Centre on 7th August will have been as productive. If you haven't already seen the Exhibition, put together last year with new material added this year, there is another chance for you, our members, to see it outside the Library at the Ebbisham Centre on 11th to 16th October. While you are there, you could encourage new members as the exhibition will be largely unmanned.

Heritage Open Days Isobel Cross

The provisional programme for sites is as follows:

Saturday 11 September 2004
Sunday 12 September 2004

There will be two walks: at 11 am at Long Grove and at 3 pm in Nonsuch Park.

Events Joy Furness

Ian West's Walk on 18th July 2004 was a great success; over 60 people turned up and the weather stayed dry. The tour started outside the Ladas pub (and Ian told us a great deal about the houses in the immediate area), continued up Chalk Lane as far as the Durdans and ended up with a visit to his own house 8 Chalk Lane, which he is restoring. We are very grateful to him, and all of us learnt a lot more about the Woodcote area.

FUTURE EVENTS
Annual buffet party, Friday, 8th October 2004, 7.45 to 10 pm
The party will again be held in the main hall of St Joseph's Church, St Margaret's Drive off the Dorking Road (behind the Haywain). Amongst our guests will be the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell Councillor Brian Angus and his wife Margaret and our MP Chris Grayling and his wife Susan.

There will be an after supper entertainment of Comedy and Song by Margaret Hunter and her friends Jose Hinchley and Kate Bown. They are all well known artists: Margaret as an entertainer and producer of plays and special events at Polesden Lacy, Jose as a soprano and Kate, one of our own members, as a pianist.

Please note that the doors will not open until 7.30 pm because the committee have to set up the room beforehand.

Tickets are £13.50 each. Please apply on the enclosed application form with a cheque and SAE to Joy Furness, 37 Woodcote Hurst, Epsom KT18 7DS,

Second series of talks

The first talk on Thursday 4th November 2004 at 8 pm in Myers Studio will be given by Nick Ide, Chief Planning Officer Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. His subject will be 'The Future of Epsom from the Planning Viewpoint'.
Tickets are £3.00 each. Please apply on the enclosed application form with a cheque and SAE to Joy Furness (address as above).

Dates for your diary
2nd Talk 24th February 2005
3rd Talk 7th April 2005
A.G.M. 21st April 2005

Outing to the Globe Theatre and Lambeth Palace Norman Dempster

On 1st July a full coach of members and friends set of for a 'double-bill' outing to the Globe Theatre and Lambeth Palace. The outing had been arranged by our outings secretary Brian Gee , and Brian looked after us on the day.

Our first stop was the Theatre and almost immediately we were taken on a conducted tour ending up in the auditorium. We had an excellent guide who obviously loved the theatre and explained to us the history of the Globe and how one man, Sam Wannamaker, with his own drive and enthusiasm, had recreated the Globe which now produced plays as they were in Shakespeare's time. We then had free time to visit the extensive museum and have lunch.

After lunch we proceeded to Lambeth Palace where we were able to wander in the Palace Garden until the start of our conducted tours. We started with a welcoming video from the last Archbishop and then our guides took us through the Palace explaining the history and use of the various rooms. A fascinating tour! An added bonus was that one of our guides was David Faulkner who is not only an accredited guide but a member of E P S.

I believe we all found the visits to both locations most interesting, and overall the day out was most enjoyable.

Social Outings Brian Gee

Last Outing: Shakespeare's Globe and Lambeth Palace.
For the first time this outing was oversubscribed. A most interesting and enjoyable day. [See also Norman Dempster's account above.]

Next Outing - Tuesday, 28th September 2004 - Cruising in the Cotswolds
I have cancelled the proposed visit to St. Albans, as any venue North of London where the M 25 must be used is subject to a hold up. I am not prepared to be in the position of sitting in a traffic jam and finding the day's timetable impossible to keep.

The next outing will be on 28th September with 8 am start from the Car Park opposite the Fire Station in Church Street, Epsom. We travel to Cirencester "The Capital of the Cotswolds" for coffee and then have a short walk where our Guide will give an introduction to the heritage of what once was the second largest city in Roman Britain. We visit the Parish Church of St. John Baptist, which is larger than some English Cathedrals and is considered to be one of the grandest and most beautiful of the Cotswold 'wool' churches. After lunch we rejoin the coach for a panorama of Cotswold beauty. We visit Bibury and Arlington Row and many other interesting villages and our Guide will keep us informed as we progress to Lechlade-on-Thames. At Lechlade, we board our boat for a two hour leisurely cruise during which a cream tea will be served.

Cost £30 ( Includes coach, boat trip and cream tea, and all tips). Hope to back in Epsom approximately 7.30 pm. Please complete and return the enclosed application form as soon as possible, not forgetting a Stamped Addressed Envelope.

FUTURE OUTINGS
I am hoping to arrange an interesting night tour of London in February. Details in next Newsletter.

Epsom Protection Society


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