Ewell Downs News Bulletin
August 2017
This this a short bulletin to bring your attention to a few items of importance in our area.
Sycamore Gardens
The planning application – Number: 17/00429/FUL – the new development on NESCOT Agricultural Land Reigate Road Ewell for the construction of 88 residential dwellings with associated access, open space, car parking, landscaping and other works can be seen on the Borough planning web site. As we had intended, this has been called to Committee. It was understood that this may have been brought before the Planning Committee at the meeting on 7 September, however this may change and we are waiting for confirmation of the date. A member of our committee will be speaking against the planning application to further the interests of our residents at this meeting, whenever it takes place. To date there have been around 25 objections to the proposal and I would urge as many of you as possible to go and make your feelings known. We realise that in the current climate for house building and budget cuts we may not be totally successful but we must try to get the number of houses/apartments down as the infrastructure in the area is struggling to cope already.
The Chalk Pit
Here we have been successful! The application – 17/00092/CMA – by Place Ltd of the Chalk Pit for retrospective change of use to include such intrusive machines as trommel aggregate screening and stone crushing machines, which were apparently unlawfully installed in the first place has been REFUSED.
From the Officers Reports, it is apparent that the application was deficient on virtually every count, contravening Green Belt; Water Aquifer pollution; transport/parking effects and Noise and Dust policies, and the applicant would not submit requested improvement plans by the Council’s requested date of July 1st. Only on Human Rights were there no transgressions, it appears.
It is evident that this application rejection received widespread objection support from our residents, councillors, officers from both EEBC and SCC and organisations like the EA, and on behalf of the local residents, we would like to thank you all for such a strong co-ordinated response. It is not known whether there will be an appeal against this decision but we will continue to monitor the situation.
The ongoing issue of parking outside the site on College Road itself is something that we will follow up with our Councillors.
Nescot Car Park
The work on the car park refurbishment and landscaping works which was started in June continues. The developers expect that the majority of the work will be complete by the time the college opens in September!
The “temporary” fence remains an issue and we shall follow this up with the developers.
Reigate Road Traffic Islands
The preparation work for this caused traffic hold-ups but this is now almost complete. It is understood that the compulsory “no right turn” out the development will not come into force until the site has been completely re-developed.
Planning
Links Road Backland Development – AEDR has received a copy of the Appeal Decision from the Planning Inspectorate in relation to the Links Road Backland Development. As you may know AEDR strongly supported the Council’s refusal of the original Planning Application. The Inspector’s Decision to uphold the Council’s rejection of the Planning Application by dismissing the Appeal is most welcome.
However the narrative of the Appeal gives sufficient wiggle room for the owner of the land to submit a further planning application which recognises the issues raised by the Inspectorate because the Inspector does not totally rule out development of this site. We are taking this matter further to see what can be done to protect the area.
Lidl – The formal planning application for the mixed-use development on the vacant site at 40-52 Upper High Street Epsom published on the Council’s planning portal under reference 1700001/FUL is still under consideration.
Aldi – still no further news on the appeal date for the proposed Aldi store on the former Dairy Crest site. We understand that there is a backlog of appeals and will report back when a definite date is announced.
Links Road Backland Development – similarly, the date of the appeal against the refusal of the planning application to erect 4 detached 4-bedroom houses with garages and associated access and landscaping behind some properties on Links Road is still awaited.
57 Longdown Lane North – All arguments have been sent to the planning inspector and we are waiting to hear the decision. We believe the inspector has visited the site so it shouldn’t be that long but of course we have no idea as to which way it will go.
116a Reigate Road – 16/00895/FLH this is a very frustrating case as building work is almost complete but no news on an application for a change of use is forthcoming. It is something we will have to prioritise at our next committee meeting.
Organ Inn site on the London Road – the modification of previously refused plans to erect a smaller Class A1 convenience supermarket (Lidl) and associated parking, access, servicing and landscaping on this site (reference 16/00933/FUL) has been refused.
The Star Ewell Village – There has been a planning application submitted for The Star. This requests change of use of part of the vacant public house, the upstairs office and residential listed building and single storey rear extension, and a conversion to include a ground floor restaurant and 3 new self-contained flats (comprising 2 x 2 bed and 1 x 1 bed), together with the retention and refurbishment of 2 existing flats (1 x 1 bed and 1 x 2 bed). Details can be found on the website ref 17/00515/FUL. Comments are being invited from residents about the plans. Ewell ward councillors are generally supportive of the proposals although we await comments from the Conservation officer as to details of the scheme. It does seem that at long last something positive is happening with the building.
Help with opposing planning applications
A resident who has faced opposing an overbearing planning application has offered to help people within the Association with similar problems, if they wanted to make 3D models. Further details are provided in the March bulletin, which can be seen on the web site. Please get in touch if you are interested in having some help.
Street Lighting
We are still concerned about the lights being switched off from 12 midnight until 5.00am. Many residents consider midnight too early and would prefer the switch off to be at 1 am.
Our Surrey County Councillor gave an interview to the Epsom Guardian highlighting all of these points along with other services for which SCC have reduced the money to the boroughs such as: grass cutting, weed spraying, highways trees etc. He has assured us that he and the other E & E Resident Association County Councillors will continue to hold SCC to account expressing our residents’ views.
Traffic control and speeding – as publicised in the last bulletin we have been following up our concerns with Surrey County Council but elections have delayed their response we will however follow this up soon.
East Street road alterations – one of our Councillors has been chasing this up and has to confess to thinking we are being given the run-around a bit. So he has asked that Councillors meet up as soon as possible with SCC officers to get some clarity.
Plan E improvement works – Work on building the new bus stand on Ashley Avenue has been finished, all was cleared away early April and it is ready for use. Buses that normally stand outside TK Maxx will soon use the new stand on Ashley Avenue. As work progresses it may be necessary to move bus stops temporarily but we will be advised in advance. There is a hold up at present as they have found major structural and drainage problems below the surface of the road here and these need to be repaired before they can do any further work. This structural work was unexpected so they have to bid for additional money to do it and we don’t know if they have been successful yet. For that reason the work schedule has been changed and they have put everything on hold at this junction for now. This is important work that will take place as soon as funding is in place.
Verge Cutting – It was agreed at EEBC Environment Committee that it would pay an extra £36K to achieve the average 12 verge cuts a year instead of 4 which SCC are prepared to pay for, due to reduced budgets. Your Resident Association Council understand how important the look of the borough is to our residents and not the County Councils position of ” safety not beauty”.
Epsom and Ewell parking review parking consultation – all parking requests and nominations for yellow lines can be seen on epsom-and-ewell-parking-review.
Pothole reporting – Are you aware that pot holes can be reported to Surrey CC? Go to report-it-online. When a pot hole has been reported there is a case for compensation for anyone whose vehicle is later damaged by that pot hole. This web site can also be used to report a problem with pavements, street lighting and many other things.
Le Raj Academy at Nescot – The Le Raj Academy Restaurant at Nescot College’s Skills Park is now open with outdoor dining available in the warmer months and ample on-site car parking. The partnership with Nescot provides practical training for students working alongside top professional chefs and front-of-house staff in industry-standard facilities. For details go to:
The Big Switch – Weekly refuse and recycling – This seems to have gone smoothly and weekly collections of the bins (excluding garden waste) are proving popular. One of the questions that is being asked a lot is do I need to but my black bin (landfill) bin out every week as I have less rubbish? The answer is no, we would encourage residents to put their bins out when they are full.
Warning to cat owners – a mutilated cat was found in Snakey Alley this week and a second cat was also found dead in the same area. Please be aware. This sounds as if it could be linked to the UK cat killer.
There is a £10,000 reward for the capture of the person responsible.
LOCAL MATTERS AND EVENTS
Superhero Family Fun Day at Epsom Racecourse – at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Monday 28 August. See the Jockey Club website and it’s not compulsory, but dressing up is highly recommended on Superhero Family Fun Day – they will be picking a Best Dressed Family!
Epsom and Ewell Art Group Late Summer Exhibition – Monday 14 – Sunday 27 August; 9.30am – 5pm – Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking RH5 6AA
Free entry and parking, café available on the ground floor. Epsom and Ewell Art Group’s Late Summer Exhibition offers you a chance to see a wide variety of the latest works by local artists. Original work at affordable prices.
Family Fun Day
THIS YEAR’S FUNDAY IS ON SUNDAY 17 SEPT 2017 – A community and charity event for the whole family
Programmes will be on sale each Saturday 10 til 4 in the Ashley Centre from Saturday 2nd September 2017. Programmes available from Epsom Playhouse, Ebbisham Centre (outside Epsom Library) Bourne Hall, and Smith’s Newsagent, 14 Ruxley Lane.
With major Fun Fair and stalls run by local charities, community groups, schools and businesses with many running affordable family games. The event includes: event includes:
Fun Fair with dodgems, big wheel etc.
Arenas and Marquees with free attractions, shows and presentations plus added last minute attractions.
Many free activities, children’s workshops and entertainment for all the family, including a children’s entertainer Mr Mayhem and other attractions on stage throughout the afternoon.
Punch and Judy will also be giving free shows.
Dog Show – Bring your dog along to enter any of the pet dog show categories.
Golden Days Festival – On 2 July 2017 Age Concern Epsom & Ewell hosted the Festival to raise funds and awareness of their organisation while having lots of fun with the local community. They thank everyone who volunteered, joined them on the day, supported them or spread the word about the event – it was a HUGE success raising over £19.5k.
Bourne Hall Lake – people visiting the lake to feed the ducks and other birdlife are being asked not to bring bread as this encourages the rats. Please feed the birds with lettuces, corn and even sprouts – much better for their health and digestion.
Subscriptions – thank you everyone who has handed their subscriptions to their road stewards or paid on line or by standing order. Please do support us – we really do appreciate it.
Keeping in touch – this bulletin is distributed to all those who have provided email addresses. The return of email addresses on the subscription envelopes has increased numbers dramatically! I hope everyone finds this flow of information useful and thank those who have commented in an appreciative way. Please pass this information on to any resident who may find it useful and ask them to let us have their email address so we can keep them in the loop.
Web site – do visit this – www.ewelldownsra.org. I am sure some of you must have some local photos to put on this!
Facebook – our page is being well visited and “liked”. Do go and use this to put comments or pictures of the area on.
Twitter – this is quite active with 99 followers of Ewelldownsra.
Comments and news reports – please use this as a two-way instrument and let us know if there is anything you wish to report or comment on.
Ewell Downs RA 