The Epsom Protection Society Newsletter 102 - Winter 2004

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The Chairman's Commentary

Geoffrey Stone

       

This commentary is primarily about change and opportunity. I should like to deal with two facets of change: first the system of planning and second the possible developments that will affect Epsom town centre.

A radical change of the planning system with which we were all familiar has arrived with the coming into force in September of The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. It provides many new features intended to improve decision making and speed up the process. I will pick just two that are immediately relevant amongst many. Formal plan making at county level will stop - there will no longer be county structure plans. Strategic planning will now be produced by regional planning bodies (in our case the S.E. Regional Assembly) and issued in the form of Regional Spatial Strategy which defines the overall pattern of development within a region. At local level, local plans are replaced with a Local Development Framework (Malcolm Boyd enlarges on this later).

The new Act provides for greater public input at all levels and it is in this aspect that your Committee is particularly interested. We had a splendid talk given to a capacity audience on 4th November by Nicholas Ide Chief Planning Officer of the Borough, who illuminated the implications of the changes and the challenges this will create in the future. The public involvement means facing up to what we want Epsom to be in the years ahead in the light of the pressures at work, investment decisions and a host of aspects, for example sustainability and environmental issues. This, I believe, presents a great opportunity. Epsom is said to be at a cross roads and the Society will be called upon to stand up and be counted to help to determine the direction in which its future lies.

In relation to Epsom town centre change is certainly in prospect. In the last Newsletter I mentioned the planning applications for two major developments and Alan Baker in the next section deals with their progress to date. You will know from press reports that a planning application has been made for a third development - the rebuilding of Epsom Station. We also understand that an amended scheme is being prepared for Emperor House which faces the Station. These are major projects by any standard which taken together represent a material change to the town. We have all been anxiously awaiting the redevelopment of the whole of that area which has too long been an eyesore. There are considerable advantages to be gained if these proposals can be shaped to fit within present planning policies and the existing townscape. There is also a great opportunity to consider these two proposed developments, which are in close juxtaposition, together rather than piecemeal, to produce an integrated, architecturally harmonious and visually attractive whole. This could include remodelling Station Approach, the space between, to link the two and provide a fitting approach to the town for visitors and train travellers. We intend to respond positively to the applications for these important projects for the town, recognising the difficult balances to be struck in the process of decision making.

I hope that you all will have a good Christmas break and may the coming year bring good health and good fortune.

Planning

Alan Baker

Planning Committee: Following the recent local elections, the new Planning Committee is now in place, chaired by Robert Leach, member for Auriol Ward. Eight of the members were on the previous Committee, are experienced in planning matters and will be able to guide the five new members as they learn the ropes. Very few items went to the two recent Committees, and some 90% of applications are now decided by officers under delegated authority. If you feel that you are seriously affected by any proposal, get the opinion of your local ward member, who may be able to refer it for decision by the Committee if he thinks this appropriate.

Heather Lodge, 1 Chalk Lane: The revised application for the pair of bungalows has been refused Planning Permission and Conservation Area Consent.

The Assembly Rooms, High Street, Epsom: Two schemes were submitted by the brewers for a sitting-out area in front of the pub. Both would have involved raising the level of the adjoining paved area. This is highway land, now owned by the County, and as proper notice had not been served the applications were invalid and were withdrawn. We understand that both the County and the Police have objections so the idea may be dropped. The Presbytery, Heathcote Road: The developers of the Catholic Church site made an application to demolish the Presbytery, opposite the Church site, and put up a three-storey block of nine flats. We objected on the grounds that it was of excessive height, overbearing, badly related to adjoining houses and would create traffic problems. It was refused by the July Planning Committee.

31, High Street, Epsom: This is the Going Places shop and rear premises adjoining the footpath to the Town Hall car park. Proposals for the creation of a new pub and the widening of the footpath were refused last year. There are now applications to add two storeys of flats to the present building and to erect a new three-storey building in the back yard. We have objected to the new building and expressed reservations about the extension, and decisions are awaited.

Ardingly Court, Woodcote Road: This block of flats is in the grounds of Woodcote Hall and shares the entrance with the Hall, the Cottage and associated buildings. They are within the Woodcote Conservation Area. An application suggests building a further two flats, and providing additional parking on a green area between the flats and the Cottage. We have supported objections by local residents on the grounds of appearance, effect on adjoining properties, parking, loss of open space, over-development and general adverse effect on the Conservation Area. A decision on this is also awaited.

Langley Bottom Farm: The proposal is that a barn in this sensitive area within the green belt should be used as an auction room. We have objected in principle to the use of farm buildings for such purposes, but the case is weakened because permission was given earlier on appeal for the barn to be used for commercial purposes and adaptation work has already been carried out.

Planning Guidance: The Planning Department has circulated a draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on single plot and other types of residential in-fill development. This is a welcome move and sets out the planning requirements for such cases. We have made a number of comments and have emphasised the need to control what was well described in a recent Committee Report as "town cramming". The Government has suggested that the density of housing development should be increased to make the best use of land, but this is being used as an excuse to over-develop many sites in existing residential areas. We try to draw attention to these cases, and the new Guidance may help.

The Downs

John Murray

The Conservators: Resulting from the May Local Elections, Jean Smith is the new chairwoman of the Epsom and Walton Downs Conservators. I am confident that the historical traditions of the Downs are in safe hands.

The latest Conservators' meeting was held on 7th July:- (a) The Conservators welcomed the offer by the new owner of the Rubbing House to restore the Cicero horse trough sited in front of the pub. This trough is owned by United Racecourses Limited, though it seems that this body will now be called Racecourse Holding Trust (RHT).
(b) Continuing concern was expressed by trainers of dangers to racehorses (6 am to noon), young children and indeed all users of the Downs by 'speeding' cyclists. It was felt that positive signs directing cyclists to permitted routes would be a practical first step, although in the longer term legislation might be required to remove any legal problems as to the use of bikes (including mountain bikes) on the Downs.
(c) Arrangements are being made for Jean Smith and representatives of RHT to meet informally with the Heritage Lottery Fund to discuss possible projects for inclusion in a future bid to the Fund.
(d) It was anticipated that legal proceedings will be instigated against a dog owner whose dog attacked a horse on the Downs. (e) This year's Derby went well with the clear up taking very little time. This was helped by RTH's sensible policy of issuing black bags to all coach parties after they had set up which resulted in a large pile of rubbish bags neatly stacked and ready for collection. This policy will be extended in 2004 to all car users - perhaps in 2005 to all pedestrians. The traditional gypsy camp was left 'spotless' rewarding the RTH's policy of providing appropriate facilities.
(f) For the first time in many years, no police portacabin was in place at the Rubbing House which understandably surprised the Downskeepers.

The Rubbing House: Notwithstanding my preference for a 'Richard Rogers style' new modern low building blending with the Queen's Stand and even arguably the older Prince's Stand to replace the Rubbing House, I am pleased to confirm that restoration work to the present building and the small extension appear to be progressing well.

Horseman's Service: The 56th Horseman's Service (and blessing) will be held on the Downs on Sunday 28th September. This will be sponsored by National Counties Building Society and leaflets may be obtained from their office in the Ashley Centre.

The Mott Clinic

Malcolm Boyd

In my article in the last Newsletter I wrote that the plaque commemorating the opening of the Mott Clinic in Horton Hospital had been taken for safe keeping to St Bernard's Hospital in Ealing. Since that time I have made representations to the management at St Bernard's Hospital and I am pleased to say that they agreed to return the plaque to Epsom. I have now handed over the plaque to Jeremy Harte in Bourne Hall Museum where it will stay until a suitable permanent home can be found for it. Since it commemorates important work on malaria carried out in Horton Hospital, it would seem appropriate that it is eventually displayed somewhere near where the work was done.

Events

Joy Furness

Annual walk: Ian West's Annual Walk took place on Sunday 13th July and was well attended despite the heat. Ian shared his considerable knowledge of the East End of Epsom with us and it was a most interesting and informative afternoon.

Annual buffet party: Friday 10th October 2003. 7.45 pm to 10 pm.

The party will be held in the main hall of St Joseph's Church, St Margaret's Drive, off the Dorking Road (behind the Haywain). This is the same venue as last year but parking should be easier. We welcome the attendance of the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell Councillor Jonathan Reed and his wife Helen. This year we shall be entertained by Dr Peter Christie (a member of Instant Sunshine) with music and song. Tickets are £12.50 each. Please apply on the slip attached, enclosing a cheque and SAE to Mrs J Furness, 37 Woodcote Hurst, Epsom KT18 7DS.

Autumn Talk: Thursday, 6th November 2003 at 8 pm
As announced at the AGM we are arranging a series of talks to which the public are invited under the general heading of 'The Architecture and Countryside of Surrey'. The first is on Thursday 6th November 2003 at 8 pm in the Myers Studio, Epsom Playhouse. Dr Nigel Barker, Historic Areas Advisor, English Heritage SE Region will talk about "Successfully building new development in historic areas - the issues". This is a new event and we hope as many people as possible will support it. Tickets are £3,00 each. Please apply on the slip attached, enclosing a cheque and SAE to Mrs J Furness (address as above)

Social Outings

Brian Gee

Portsmouth Historic Dockyards: My thanks to all those who expressed an interest in the next outing to Portsmouth Historic Dockyards on 23rd September. The tour includes the Dockyards where HMS Victory is on view together with the Mary Rose and HMS Warrior, one of the first iron and steam warships; visit the Royal Naval Museum and, weather permitting, have a tour of the Harbour and see recent "mothballed" warships.

Enclosed with this Newsletter is an application form which, in view of the closeness of the date, please let me have as soon as possible. Please make sure you indicate whether or not you wish to do the Tour of the Victory as this has to be pre-booked. Cost: £20 (Includes Coach, Coffee en route, and entry to Dockyard, and all tips) Note: Entry to the Dockyard entitles entry to all attractions but NOT the tour of the Harbour.

Picking up point: Car Park, Opposite Fire Station, Church Street, Epsom. Coach leaves at 09.00 sharp. We should be back in Epsom between 18.00 and 19.00.

Christmas Illuminations: On Sunday 7th December, I am proposing an afternoon and evening Christmas Illuminations Tour. This will comprise a ninety minute tour of the Christmas Illuminations with an experienced guide pointing out the major and in some case minor attractions; we then have a ninety minute cruise down the river to the Thames Barrier to see London floodlit from the water. On arriving at Greenwich our coach will take us to a local pub for fish and chips (or chicken and chips). Please indicate on the enclosed (Dockyards) form if you are interested as I need to have some indication of numbers. Cost will be in the region of £30 to include everything (except drinks!)

Dates for your diary: Next year (already) Saturday 20th March. Visit to Apsley House, home of Wellington in the morning. Break for lunch in the Victoria Area and in the afternoon to the top of the Wellington Memorial at Hyde Park Corner; (there is a lift). Look into Buckingham Palace grounds and see Piccadilly from above. Also see the Quadriga up close, the largest Bronze sculpture in England. End the afternoon at The National Army Museum.

In June I am hoping to get a date for a visit to Lambeth Palace but more of this in thenext Newsletter.

Epsom Protection Society Tel nos. (membership) Website: www.epsomprotectionsociety.co.uk

Editor: Paul Fifoot Zebrato, Lynwood Avenue Epsom KT18 7LR

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