Click here to see map for location of 23 Beaconsfield Place Epsom KT17 4BD

24/00564/FUL Ground and first floor rear extension and alterations to fenestration to existing dwelling. New two storey, 3 bedroom detached dwelling including loft accommodation adjacent to 23 Beaconsfield Place, removal of tree T004 and replacement thereof with London Plane.

The Society first requested refusal of this application in June 2024 – see our post here. The application has been updated with new drawings suggesting the need to remove at least one existing mature tree and possible root damage to others. The Society has therefore made a further comment and objection. Our full comments are set out below:-

“This is a further comment on behalf of Epsom Civic Society (ECS) following notification of lodgement of a revised front elevation drawing.

There is a variance with the submitted plan for the new house development and the Providence Place Conservation Area map dated 9/8/2021, in that the former overlaps into the latter. ECS is not aware of any change occurring in the last three years.

The CA appraisal map makes a specific reference about the area coloured yellow stating “Significant open space tree group”. The application “eats in” to this coloured area. The CA commentary also states this area as “containing significant tree group”.

For the development to proceed there would be expected disturbance to the structural stability of the built embankment which supports the shoulder of the road (Church Road) as it rises to cross the railway. This action must be questionable within the wider public domain of what we assume to be highway subsidiary supporting land.

It is also a fact that tree roots, in this case substantial roots, are known to provide a binder reinforcement to embankments, here there is substantial hedge and shrub growth too, removal will usurp this stability.

Furthermore, the embankment area marked in the CA plan as a significant green area is the only such area in the CA, any reduction will denude which is not acceptable.

All in all, ECS considers there is resulting harm if approval is granted and therefore opposes this application.”