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25/00605/FUL Demolition of Unit 60 and erection of replacement single storey Class E unit to The Ashley Centre (including outdoor seating area and associated works).

This application is a variation of the previously refused application 24/01339/FUL. The changes are minor and, in the Society’s opinion, do not sufficiently address our objections to the earlier application.

The Society has objected via the “Comments” facility on the EEBC Planning website as follows:-

“This comment submitted on behalf of Epsom Civic Society (ECS).

The application is a repeat of that refused under ref. 24/01399/FUL about which ECS lodged objection.

In ECS opinion nothing has changed between the two in that we repeat our previous objection about the design proposals.

The demolition and rebuilding is a retrograde step. The design for the original developers Bredero was the subject of public consultation and detailed consideration in the late 1970’s and was widely acclaimed as being very suitable in its “Surrey vernacular style”. That perspective and circumstance worked well and remains to-day.

The site location and setting has to be weighed against its close juxtaposition of the Town Centre Conservation area and that of the listed building of Waterloo House, the site warrants being regarded as if it were within these bounds.

The loss of the pleasant Turret feature is uncalled for. The replacement architecture is seen as bland, too modern akin to out of town supermarket architecture and being out of context.

This application is another proposal to change the entrance style to the Ashley Centre High Street entrances. The eastern end alterations approved and completed last year were seen as destroying the respected architecture.

ECS does not support the application.