Click here to see map for location of 79-81 East Street Epsom

22/01953/FUL Demolition of 79-81 East Street and the construction of a part 5, part 6 storey building containing 31 residential units (10 x 1-bed, 17 x 2-bed and 4 x 3-bed) (Class C3) together with car parking, landscaping and access arrangements and associated works.

This Planning Application proposes demolition of the existing building (previously a bar called “The Vine” occupying the front part of its plot and replacement by a 6-storey block of 31 flats with a footprint comprising almost the entirety of the plot, the rear of which overlooks the Lintons Lane conservation area consisting of two-storey residential properties.

First, the proposal is obviously too high and over the existing town centre height limit of 12m. As a result it is oppressive of the surrounding properties, and the Society suggests the overall height should be lowered by 5 meters.

Secondly, due to the footprint of the actual proposed building, only four on-site parking spaces are proposed, which is wholly inadequate given the existing scarcity of on-street parking locally and conflicts with existing EEBC minimum parking standards. Furthermore, there is no soft landscaping, whereas other similar East Street buildings have incorporated trees, planted areas and flower beds. Also, CS6 Core Strategy requires that the development demonstrates the use of sustainable construction and design. This is not apparent from the tabled documentation.

Thirdly, it is noted that the Applicant will be submitting a separate proposal for the adjacent site at 83-85 East Street. The two proposals should be reviewed together as the access arrangements, heights and profiles may act as a single building. Should Planning Permission be granted for 79-81 a precedent would be set for the adjacent block.

For all the above reasons, the Society has strongly objected and recommended the application be withdrawn and revised or, if not, refused.

See our letter here.