The Epsom Protection Society Newsletter 107 - Spring 2006

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The Chairman's Commentary

Geoffrey Stone

       

With this Newsletter I hope that you will have received a postcard showing six views of Epsom. On the back there is some descriptive text and references to two websites: www. Epsom.townpage.co.uk and the Society's own website www.Epsomprotectionsociety.co.uk. The design and production of the card has resulted from an initiative taken by Piers Nicholson, the member of committee responsible for IT, who saw the need for a modern attractive card of Epsom which could also be a vehicle for publicity for the Society. We welcomed this initiative, are pleased with the result and have acted on Piers' offer of copies to be circulated to you all. We have also purchased a stock for sale to members at four for £I or 25 for £5: please contact Ishbel Kenward if you would like some. We had them on view at the talk given by Simon Dow and promptly sold over 130! Bookshops and newsagents in Epsom are also displaying them and I understand they are selling well.

It seems appropriate at this point to focus on our website which went live five years ago. Recently the committee reviewed the use of the website as revealed by monitoring data and concluded that there was growing interest each year and that EPS was getting benefit largely due to links with other sites. We could make even better use by wider publicity of the site address which we intend to do in a variety of ways. I understand that about half of members have an email address and I assume will have visited our site. You should all know that it provides a version of the brochure inviting membership and that there are links to each of our Newsletters from December 2000. There is available a continuous record of the concerns, actions, development of attitude and policy of the Society. Do have a look at it.

The notice of the Annual General Meeting on 27th April which includes the Annual Report for 2005 accompanies this Newsletter. May I add my personal tribute and thanks to the members of the Executive Committee and those whom we have co-opted for their dedication and hard work in supporting the Society. They are a splendid team who work well together and have lightened the chairman's task. Thank you all.

Planning

Alan Baker

The following are a selection of updates and the more important new cases.

Proposed superstore, 40 - 58 Upper High Street: Following the public exhibition of possible amendments to the design of the proposed building and discussions with the planning officers, the developers decided that further thought was needed. They came to see members of our committee and we thought that in terms of design their latest ideas - the fourth - were an improvement. I said in the winter Newsletter that a revised application was imminent; in fact it arrived this week. We have had a preliminary look, but it will need further study before we submit the Society's comments.

The White House Hotel, Downs Hill Road: In spite of obvious objections, permission has been granted for the redevelopment of this site for the revised application for 12 four bedrooms semi-detached houses, and demolition work has now started.

Epsom Downs Racecourse: The planning application for the proposed new grandstand and hotel has been submitted but no decision has yet been made. We have written to say that we thought the racecourse elements of the application were satisfactory and acceptable. The design of the buildings was perhaps a little controversial but we considered them pleasing and blending well with the QE II building whilst retaining their own individual character. It will be necessary to justify the building of the hotel on Green Belt land and we would normally object to such a proposal. In this case we thought that it would be complementary to the racecourse and would achieve the removal of the unsightly totehouse, opposite the Rubbing House PH, and we did not make any objection in principle. We mentioned a number of detailed points which we thought required attention.

Epsom Station and Emperor House, Station Approach: The development of Emperor House, opposite the station, is now in hand, as evidenced by the two prominent tower cranes, but we understand that the start on the station site is still awaiting agreement of the neccessary documents beween the developer and the railway. Those members who came to the talk in January will recall the presentations by the two developers mentioned elsewhere in this Newsletter.

7-7A Ashley Road: This is the substantial Victorian building at the corner of The Parade formerly occupied by Chelsea Building Society with solicitors' offices over. The proposal is to convert the upper floors to flats, with retail on the ground floor, and also to redevelop the car park at the rear with further flats. We have objected to the bulk of the new building in relation to the County Court and other neighbouring buildings, and have expressed surprise that no car parking is proposed.

Finachem House, Ashley Road: Nearly opposite the previous item, this office building is between the chiropodists and the service exit from the Ashley Centre; it has been empty for several years without a successful office letting and it is now proposed to convert it to small flats and to add a third floor. The alterations have been designed after discussion with Anthony Evans, the design and conservation officer in the planning department, and we have raised no objection subject to the proposal being entirely to Anthony's approval.

St Martin's Church, Church Street: The application here was to put a telecommunications mast on a church tower in the form of a flag mast, which could be used also as such. Our comments were that we did not object to the mast itself but any other attachments would be unacceptable on an important listed building. The Planning Committee, having been advised that only planning grounds could be debated - specifically not perceived health risks - granted permission, but not without strong words from the public gallery.

Local Development Framework

Alan Baker

Your committee has considered the latest document forming part of the LDF entitled CORE STRATEGY Preferred Options. This is a much better prepared paper than the issues and options discussion document on which it is based and on which we commented in July last year. It is gratifying that at least some of our comments were acted upon. Feedback from interested parties will form the Core Strategy which will again be open for discussion. The preferred options paper is now divided into the following headings: Housing, Employment, Natural Environment, Urban Design and the Built Environment, Transport and Infrastructure, Town Centre and other Local Shopping Centres and Community, Recreational and Cultural Facilities. While your committee generally agreed with the Preferred Options, we made a strong plea for an additional preferred option to be 'consideration to be made to find ways of reducing traffic congestion in the town centre'. Reference is made to the problem of traffic congestion in Epsom town centre several times in the discussion, but the only solution offered is to encourage non-motorised forms of travel! Our other substantive comment concerned meeting the housing allocation and we suggested that reference is made to a recent comment made in a letter from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: 'The Secretary of State agrees that the Council can meet their Structure Plan housing requirement without encroaching on the green belt'. Those interested in the Preferred Options document can view it in the Planning Section of the Council's website (www.epsom-ewell.go.uk).

ASHLEY CENTRE DISPLAY

We intend to mount a manned display in The Mall in Ashley Centre on Saturday 8th April. The purpose of the display is to make the Society better known to the people of Epsom and also to attract new members. Please come along to support those on the stand and to see the material on display.

The Epsom Scene

Tom Dethridge

The Society possesses quite a wide selection of photographs of Epsom, thanks in no small measure to the efforts of Ken Brundle, for many years our vice chairman. We also have a fair sprinkling of articles, many with pictures, which have been published at various times by our local newspapers, together with copies of a number of books about Epsom, some quite profusely illustrated.

Inevitably our photograph holdings tend to focus on the more modern scene and the better-known buildings and features. We have often found when another demolition or make-over occurs that one more building has vanished without trace because nobody has thought it worthwhile recording when it was still there.

The Society is keen to extend its collection so as to build up a really comprehensive coverage of every part of our town past and present. After all, the town is more than the High Street, the Clock Tower, the Well and the Racecourse, important and unique as they undoubtedly are. Our everyday residential and side roads with their houses, shops and other features all go to make up Epsom and contribute to its special identity. If any member has any photographs or pictures of Epsom - any location, any period, coloured or monochrome - that they would care to donate, we should be delighted to add them to our files. And here is another suggestion. Why not take a photograph of your own road, looking both ways - or any other place in the town that interests you - and send it to me at 33 Pine Hill, Epsom KT18 7BH. Do write the location and date on the back.

Can you help ? Those who come after may be pleased that you did.

Presentation by Developers at Station Approach Myers Hall Epsom, 31.1.2006

Angela Clifford

It is rare for members of the public to hear talks by the developers of major projects in the town, so the opportunity offered by this evening's talk was warmly welcomed by members. Both developments, one on either side of Station Approach, had earlier planning consent for offices, but now had approval for combined residential and retail use.

John Moore of Fairview Homes spoke about the development which will face the station and curve round into Waterloo Road. He explained the history of the site up to the design for the present development. There will be 111 one and two bed units of which 36 will be considered `affordable' and there will be several retail shops adjacent to the corner of Station Approach and Waterloo Road. Drawings and plans demonstrated the matters that were considered - noise from both trains and vehicles, the legal requirement to maintain rear access to Wilkinson's store for large delivery lorries and the incorporation of the existing 160 space public car park and provision of additional car parking for residents. Maintaining Station Way as a pedestrian route from Station Approach to the High Street was also considered important. This will be a big improvement on the present situation - as straight as possible and level with the car park with steps and slope at Station Approach and improved visibility and lighting. John made the point that Epsom is a mix of architectural styles and the finish will be a modern palette of render, brick, steel and glass.

Carlo Navato of Parkridge Securities spoke about development of the station itself. Epsom is the third busiest station in Surrey and the intention is to provide a contemporary, economically viable landmark station building with residential units over and small retail units outside. Of key importance is providing suitable access for the less able and mothers and children with pushchairs. Again the noise factors were considered and also the fact that highest pedestrian traffic is on weekday mornings and evenings. There will be 116 one and two bed units for private sale. The Company has made a financial contribution to E & E Council towards affordable housing elsewhere in the Borough. There will be 36 car parking spaces purely for residents, about 31 public, but some for taxis. There will be no opportunity to `hover' to collect passengers, only a drop-off/pick-up area. Cycle storage is unresolved at present but numbers will be maintained. Existing bus routes are being retained. Tree planting will be limited to the western and eastern ends by the need to provide access for emergency vehicles. There will be a satellite dish hidden within the building and present telecommunication masts will be sited at the western end of the site.

Both speakers made the point that they are permitted to build to the height allowed in the approval for offices but because residential units have lower ceilings, they can build more stories within the same height. Also, both companies have given over £500,000 between E & E Borough Council and Surrey County Council as the Highway Authority under Section 106 agreements. The Society was urged to pressure the Council to ensure that the money is used for improved traffic management, tree planting, street furniture and paved areas.

The History and Prospects of Racehorse training in Epsom Myers Hall Epsom, 16.2.2006

Angela Clifford

Tony Smith welcomed Simon Dow, past Chairman of The Racehorse Trainers Association, who spoke of his lifelong passion for horses which led to him becoming a licensed trainer in 1985. He moved to his present stables at Clear Heights in 1991. In 1987 there were 550 horses and 15 or 16 trainers in Epsom, now there are 10 trainers and fewer than 200 horses. The retirement of many of the older trainers, whose owners often gave up or went elsewhere, left stables which were often sold for development. This meant it became increasingly difficult for staff to find affordable accommodation near to their workplace. The good news is that there are some new, young, passionate trainers, and a Charity - The Epsom Training and Development Fund - has raised about £200,000 over the last six years and the intention is to buy a property to accommodate stable staff. The intention is to try and buy more properties for this purpose as funds allow. While admitting that action by local trainers to promote training in Epsom had been a little tardy, Simon expressed optimism about the future - the Downs are unique in training terms because of the geography - the horses can be ridden out in places where they cannot see other strings - unlike Lambourn and Newmarket for example. The 18 miles of grass canters and gallops together with three artificial tracks mean there is less dependence on ground conditions and horses can be trained aerobically all year round. The other advantage is that young horses mature quickly - they have 51 weeks of semi-urban approach to the Downs, but for Derby week there is much more traffic movement which they rapidly get used to in spite of being highly strung creatures of habit. The lads know and understand their charges and often pick up sub-clinical conditions which might otherwise be missed. We were given a fascinating insight into the owner/trainer relationship with all its ups and downs. Some owners are happy to follow their horse through training; others want the almost instant gratification of seeing their horse in a race. In buying, it is the trainer's job to match suitable horses with each type of owner - quite a challenge! Owners have to budget about £15,000 per horse per year with little prospect of any return - maybe this is why multiple ownership is becoming more common. The money is used for fees for using the training gallops, vets, stabling, staff and feeding costs. The sheer joy, excitement and elation of winning is what makes people want to own a racehorse. Questions were asked about vaccinations, what happens at the end of a horse's racing days (it goes to another discipline, another trainer or the owner keeps it), and the need for more accommodation in future. The Training Yards' Open Days are well supported locally and this year will be on the third Sunday in July. Tony thanked Simon for his interesting, informative and very positive talk and presented him with some wine.

A brilliant day: "The Big One" at Christmas

Diane Tidd

The afternoon of 8th December saw a happy band heading to London with a full programme ahead of them. Yes - it was The Big One to View the Christmas Lights.

We were blessed with clear skies for our trip on the London Eye. Perfect timing caught the fading of daylight as we left the ground and then London gradually lit up to its full brilliance as we continued the `round trip'. We couldn't see forever, but almost. In the hands of our charming guide, Gail, we were then driven through and past the best of London's Christmas lights, from Fortnum's small-scale but exquisite windows to Stella McCartney's bold and brash roof. Gail enlivened the tour with historical snippets, some of them even true. Then our ever-capable, never-rattled Epsom Coaches driver, Mick, sped us to Greenwich where it was all aboard The Skylark for our sail up the Thames to Westminster. This too was enhanced by the Skipper's commentary, ranging from who lived in which riverside penthouse with whom, to the process of waste collection in the Thames Basin. His words being occasionally drowned by the sound of rumbling tums, it was obviously time to jump ship and wend our way to an inappropriately named hostelry, the Citie of Yorke, for a fish'n'chip supper. No-one got lost, no-one disgraced himself and a good time was had by all. Sadly for those who have enjoyed his excellent outings this was Brian's last for the Society and I know we all extend a big thank you to him. Christmas will never be the same again.

Events

Joy Furness

The three talks held this year were a great success and were so popular that they were all sold out in advance. Reports of the first two talks appear elsewhere in the Newsletter. It is planned to organise another talk later this year. FUTURE EVENTS
SUNDAY 25th JUNE 2006 at 2.30pm IAN WEST'S ANNUAL WALK
This will be at Ewell Court House situated at the end of Ewell Court Avenue, which is on the left hand side of the Kingston road (coming from Epsom) opposite the Queen Adelaide pub. There is plenty of parking space in front of the house or in the road. For those using public transport a bus stops near the Queen Adelaide. Please meet outside Ewell Court House at 2.30pm

FRIDAY 27th OCTOBER 2006 BUFFET SUPPER PARTY
This date is a little later than usual to accommodate our entertainer. The party will be held in St Joseph's Church Hall. Please put the date in your diary - more details and the application form will be in the next Newsletter.

Outings

Joy Furness

As you know Brian Gee has decided to give up organising the outings after many successful occasions and I have offered, somewhat reluctantly, to organise a summer outing and one in December and look forward to your support.

WEDNESDAY 2nd AUGUST 2006
This outing will combine archaeology and architecture in the Darent Valley. In the morning after a coffee stop we will visit the remains of Lullingstone Roman Villa. Lunch will be served in a hotel in the picturesque village of Eynsford followed by a conducted tour of Lullingstone Castle in the afternoon. A cream tea will be served before leaving for the return journey home.

The Roman Villa was built about 100AD, probably as a country house for a government official. The whole site has been excavated and is undercover. It has the usual baths and underfloor heating system and two fine mosaics depicting scenes from classical mythology. What is unusual is the evidence of early Christian worship in the villa. Free audio guides are included.

Lullingstone Castle is a spacious mansion set in wide lawns beside the river Darent. A sturdy brick Tudor gatehouse leads to the house which has a Queen Anne facade hiding the original Tudor house built about 1500. The church is near the house. There will be a conducted tour of the house. The grounds are extensive and a World garden is being created. This is year two of a five year plan.

The cost is £35.00 each - this includes coach, entry to both properties, morning coffee, two course lunch, cream tea and tips. There is a reduction of £2.70 for members of English Heritage.

The coach will pick up outside the Methodist Church at 8.45am and at the carpark by the tea hut on Epsom Downs near Tattenham Corner at 9am. Parking at the latter is free all day. We should be back in Epsom about 6.30pm.

Please complete and return the application form and cheque as soon as possible together with an SAE. Cheques will not be banked immediately.

NOTE This event is some way ahead but there may not be sufficient time for booking if we wait for the next Newsletter. Tickets will not be issued until nearer the date so please be patient. Phone me if you have any queries.

SATURDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2006
Outing to Rochester for the Dickens Festival. Please put this date in your diary. More details later.

Epsom Protection Society Website: www.epsomprotectionsociety.co.uk

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

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