Click here to see map for location of 9 St Martin’s Avenue

26/00961/FUL Demolition of No.9c and single-storey extension to the rear of No.9, alterations to the rear elevation of No.9 and conversion for use as a single dwellinghouse, and the erection of 1 no. detached 2½ storey house and 2 no. semi-detached 2½ houses at the rear, together with associated access, car parking, bin stores, cycle stores, landscaping and amenity space.

This application has yet to be decided, but substantial work has already commenced, including installation of PVC windows in place of original wooden ones. Since the site is in a conservation area and the application stipulated replacement with wooden windows, the Society feels that enforcement action would be appropriate.

Accordingly, the Society emailed Simon Taylor,the EEBC Head of Development Management and Planning Enforcement, as below:-

“I am writing on behalf of Epsom Civic Society about the works in progress which are well under way in advance of a decision about the above application.

The concern is the use of PVC windows to an Historic Building (as quoted in Worple Road CA report) relative to the restoration of No.9 which forms part of the application.

The application is well backed up with documents such as the Heritage Statement by experienced Heritage consultants. That states that the materials for the windows will be wooden as existing.

I am writing to you with a request for an enforcement inspection, which I think is urgent, rather than completing the usual formal online representation about the application.”

The Society received an acknowledgement letter from the Council dated 30th September as below:

“Town and Country Planning Act 1990

Complaint address: 9 St Martins Avenue, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5HT

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the above property.

We have received your information regarding the potential planning enforcement breach and have opened an enforcement case to investigate the concerns in accordance with our Local Enforcement Plan. The case reference for this is 26/00228/BOC and should be quoted on all future correspondence.

Information regarding the Enforcement process can be found through our Local Enforcement Plan.

The details of your complaint may be shared with third parties to enable us to investigate the complaint, but your name, address and any other details that identify you will be held securely and will not be disclosed. If you want further information see our website: https://www.epsomewell.gov.uk/residents/planning/planning-enforcement

We will be in contact with you again to inform you of the outcome of your enquiry or to provide an update at key stages of our enforcement investigation.

Yours sincerely

Simon Taylor”

Further action by the Council will hopefully follow.