Epsom and Ewell Council Advances Housing Development Plan

Proposals for the construction of almost 5,000 residences within Surrey’s smallest borough have progressed. On Tuesday, the Epsom and Ewell Borough Council endorsed the subsequent phase of its local plan procedure, which involves a public consultation prior to its submission to a government inspector. This local plan delineates the locations and timelines for housing construction within the borough, which shares a border with London, extending up to the year 2040. Specifically, it outlines proposals for 4,916 new dwellings, a portion of which are designated for green belt land made available by the council. According to the local plan, Epsom and Ewell, with a 2021 population of 80,900 individuals, holds the distinction of being Surrey’s smallest borough by geographical size, yet it is also the most densely populated. The council stated that this consultation, for which a commencement date has not yet been declared, will represent the ultimate chance for public input on the plan before its submission to a government inspector in the summer of 2025. Under these proposals, specific green belt locations, including Horton Farm and Hook Road Arena, are slated for declassification to facilitate the construction of new residences. The advocacy organization Save Epsom’s Green Belt had previously asserted that brownfield sites should be prioritized instead, contending that the plan “would destroy all the green belt between Epsom and West Ewell”. Councillor Peter O’Donovan, who chairs the licensing and planning policy committee, commented: “It is challenging to find a path that meets the many different needs of all our communities, and not everyone may agree with every aspect of this plan. “However, having listened to all the feedback, and examined the comprehensive evidence base, we feel strongly that this plan ensures that everyone in our borough, both now and in the future, is given the chance to thrive in Epsom and Ewell.” Separately, on Thursday, the government indicated that local authorities would not receive any “wiggle room” in fulfilling new mandatory housebuilding targets, as part of a broader reform of the planning system. For further updates, BBC Surrey can be followed on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.