The Epsom Protection Society Newsletter 91 - Spring 2002

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The Chairman's Commentary

John Hampton

       

This commentary is devoted to one issue, that of increasing the voluntary resource available to the Society. You will note from my annual report that your executive committee is concerned for the future of the Society. We have discussed in general terms the needs, and two members of the committee are actively examining the potential for recruitment and publicity. While I shall not attempt to pre-empt the results of this enquiry, there are current responsibilities for which we urgently require volunteers. First, we need a person to act as Honorary Secretary, for Angela Clifford will be leaving that post in April. Fortunately, she is willing to continue as minutes secretary, which means that two thirds of the workload will be taken care of. (It should be known that Angela originally volunteered as minutes secretary, but to relieve Allan Baker of his dual burden she kindly agreed to undertake the work of Honorary Secretary.) You will have seen my pleas in previous Newsletters, but the situation is now urgent. Secondly, Judith Christie over the years has given our membership a splendid series of outings which have involved her in considerable research and personal involvement. While we sit in the coach and wait for things to happen, she has ensured, often by personal reconnaissance, that things run smoothly. Unfortunately due to ill health, Judith would much appreciate an assistant who could share the work that these outings involve. In summary, do you want the Society to: A, continue: B, expand; or C, disappear ? If the answer is A or B, please ring the numbers above or, if you cannot help, nudge somebody who you think can; if C, do nothing !

Planning

Alan Baker

Glanmire Farm, Rushett Lane: The Secretary of State decided at the end of November that the application for the creation of a man made diving lake, erection of a single storey club house, associated works and alterations to the access, was not one that should be called in for public enquiry and his own decision. The local authority - Kingston - may therefore determine the application as it sees fit. This is very disappointing as the site is at the extreme boundary of the Royal Borough and development would have little effect on its residents, whereas Epsom and Mole Valley would be much more directly involved. We have written to Kingston drawing attention to the concerns we previously recorded and asking that, in reaching a decision, the Members of the Authority are made fully aware of our earlier comments and take them fully into account.

7-9 The Parade: In the previous Newsletter, I reported that the Planning Committee decided to recommend the refusal of McCarthy & Stone's application. The Full Council referred the matter back to the Committee and amendments to the designs were negotiated. The revised scheme was significantly reduced in height and bulk and was approved by the Committee at its January meeting.

Land r/o 49-71 Upper Court Road: The application to build eight houses on this land, which we had opposed, was reduced to six, but a recommendation to refuse was agreed by the Planning Committee on the grounds of increase of noise, disturbance, visual intrusion and loss of privacy to the occupiers of properties adjoining the access.

45 Stamford Green Road: We had opposed this application to approve paving which had been done without the permission needed under the Article 4(2) Direction. We heard from a third party that permission had been granted under delegated authority, and have written to express disappointment at an action that could weaken the effect of this Direction.

25 Burghfield: Following the grant of permission for an extension over the garage at 5 Burghfield, an application was made for permission to make a much larger extension at 25 Burghfield. We opposed the application. As a result of negotiations with the Planning Department, the scheme was reduced to a size similar to that approved at No. 5.

Land r/o West Hill Avenue, Meadway and Manor Green Road: This area of backland is in four parts. On one there is a modern house, and the other three are garden land with trees and mature shrubs. Two of them have been the subject of planning applications. In each case there has been opposition from adjoining owners. (a) r/o 7/9 Meadway: This proposed a bungalow and garage with a new drive to Meadway. We opposed this as being too cramped and likely to cause harm to the amenities of adjoining houses. Having been withdrawn and resubmitted, the application was refused by the January Planning Committee on the grounds of harm to the established character of the area and the amenities of adjoining occupiers. (b) r/o West Hill Avenue: This proposed two houses and garages with a new drive to Manor Green Road. We again opposed this on the same grounds and a decision is awaited.

Epsom College - three storey extension, Longdown Lane South: This is at the rear of the existing almshouses but facing the road and would provide additional boarding accommodation. As an important listed building was involved, I consulted our good friend and former Vice Chairman, Ken Brundle, who kindly looked at the proposal in some detail. We wrote to say there was concern amongst members living locally but, in general, we found the proposed building acceptable subject to careful attention being given to materials and detailing. Permission was granted at the January Planning Committee.

Mr. Trees reports

Mike Ford

The Ebbisham Centre: The four semi-mature ornamental pears have now been enhanced, and given protection from vandalism, by strong tree guards. When the trees were planted last year, the guards did not automatically follow which resulted in one tree being lost to vandals. After I talked to the Tree Officer and the Planning Officer about the need for immediate action, they liaised with the managers of the Ebbisham Centre and the trees have at last been protected.

Horton Hospital Site: In December, 70 native trees were planted during National Tree Week at the new Long Grove Park. This was a joint project between Horton Estate Action for Residents, Rosebery Housing Association, Epsom and Ewell Council, the Tree Council and the Tree Advisory Board, of which I am the chairman. All the trees, including species such as oak, ash, hawthorn and wild cherry were planted in just over two hours.

Alexandra Recreation Ground: Saturday 12th January 2002 saw the first trees of the year being planted. The Windmill Lane entrance was the site for three sweet gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua); these give height to the new bed which had already been planted with various shrubs, including lavender. The sweet gums will enhance this entrance to the recreation ground, particularly with their brilliant autumn colour. The trees of this species first came to Britain in 1681 from Mexico. They are still used there for a gum which is used in adhesives and to make 'satin wood' furniture.

Epsom Town Centre Strategy: In this report, I shall concentrate on mentions of trees. For the purpose of this initiative, the town centre was divided into sectors and participants were asked what they thought was needed to improve the different sectors. In: the Upper High Street (sector 7) - the response to suggestions for improvements was more trees; rear of Town Hall (sector 8) - more trees are needed; Market Place (sector 3) - although people liked the existing trees, one of the improvements proposed was more trees. This was the sentiment running through most of the sites in the town centre, just as I have been advocating for years; and the top answer out of seven to a general question which was put to one of the workshops for the project, 'how should areas with a particularly poor environment be improved', was more trees. If you want our town to continue to be green, and bearing in mind that existing trees get diseased, are vandalised or lost to development, remember we all have a ward councillor to contact and we can all write to Eileen Thomas, the Director of Corporate Policy at the Town Hall, demanding more trees and the means to get them planted.

The Downs

John Murray

Arising from the recent Epsom and Walton Downs Consultative Committee meeting (where I am allowed to speak) and Conservators' meeting (where I can only listen), some points are of interest:

The Queen's Golden Jubilee: It is probable that there will be a beacon on the Downs.

Seeding: Seeding within the earth bank now protecting Grandstand Road will commence in the spring.

Dogs: Dog fouling notices were put on the Downs last October. Initial response has been fairly good although it is thought larger signs might be more effective. On a different subject, some dog owners still do not realise that the 1984 Act regulating the Downs gives race horses overall priority until noon each day. More leaflets for offending dog owners are required.

Ecological advice: The Surrey Wildlife Trust will now provide ongoing ecological advice to the Conservators. This autumn sheep grazing will again be introduced on Juniper Hill to manage / reduce scrub growth. Six weeks grazing is normally sufficient so as not to conflict with race meetings.

Derby week: The usual preparatory arrangements for Derby week (e.g. temporary fencing) will start a few days earlier due to the additional bank holiday this year.

Racing : Several meetings have been held between the Conservators, our MP, the three Local Authorities, Government Offices, United Racecourses and local trainers to endeavour to prevent further loss of racing training stables on the Downs and to formulate guidance on planning issues affecting the racing industry. Documents will be available shortly. It is also anticipated that it may be possible to reduce speed limits on roads in areas used by race horses.

It is pleasing to confirm that the relationship between the Conservators, United Racecourses and the Trainers' Management Board seem increasingly harmonious; e.g agreement on finances to improve management of the Downs. But the earlier planning application to demolish the Rubbing House has been withdrawn; we await further proposals for this site.

Events

Judith Christie

Annual General Meeting: Thursday, 11th April 2002: See the Hon. Secretary's separate letter.

Visit to London Zoo, Wednesday, 19th June 2002: This interesting trip has kindly been arranged for us by Harry Wilkinson, our Honorary Auditor, who is also a Friend and Auditor for the London Zoological Society.

The visit includes a talk on the history of London Zoo on arrival (lasting about 30 minutes). We will then be split into two groups for an hour's walk looking, in particular, at the architectural features of the buildings. After lunch, members will be free to explore the Zoo.

The tickets are œ16.00 each and include the coach, entrance to the Zoo, talk and guided walk, but not coffee or lunch. The coach will leave the Town Hall car park at 9.30 am and the Upper High Street, opposite the car park, at 9.40 am. We hope to be back in Epsom by 6.30 pm.

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

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