107-111 East Street, Epsom KT17 1EJ

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20/00797/FUL Demolition of the existing buildings and erection of part 3 storey, part 4 storey building comprising 23 residential flats (7 x 1 bedroom, 12 x 2 bedroom and 4 x 3 bedroom) with associated car and cycle parking and refuse storage.

This planning application seeks to demolish two existing small two-storey buildings on the corner between East Street and Kiln Lane and replace them with two blocks of flats, one of three storeys, the other of four storeys. The new blocks and associated parking would completely fill the back gardens of the existing houses as well as the footprint of the houses themselves. The total proposed accommodation would consist of 23 flats, 7 1-bedroom, 12 2-bedroom and 4 3-bedroom.

The Society believes it important to regard this location in East Street, on the Ewell side of Kiln Lane, as being different from that part nearer towards the Town some of which is in a town centre location. The situation here is very different with generally single and two storey residential development prevailing towards Ewell and away from the higher buildings in East Street nearer the town.

We also believe that the bulk mass and density is excessive for this location, the absence of any affordable provision unacceptable, and the proposal fails to meet the required accommodation mix, in particular in respect to 3-bedroom units.

Further concerns are over the safety and acceptability of the proposed method of access to the proposed accommodation via a narrow lane, to the rear but not part of the property over which no right of way may exist, and which in any event would need to be widened. The Society has therefore requested refusal of the application.

See our letter here.