Click here to see map for location of Cafe Moka 59-60 West Square The Ashley Centre High Street Epsom KT18 5DB

24/01399/FUL Demolition of Unit 60 and construction of replacement single storey Class E unit to The Ashley Centre (including outdoor seating area and associated works).

The Society commented previously on this application, which proposes demolition of the existing cafe building and replacement by a smaller footprint building with outside space for seating. The changes would remove the existing roof feature which masks visually the service yard behind.

ECS has now made a further representation via the “Comments” facility on the EEBC Planning website as follows:-

“Additional submission as:-

The Epsom and Ewell Times in its 9 Jan 2025 edition referred to Epsom Town Centre Conservation Area being placed on the “At Risk” Register. The current application for demolition of Unit 60 with its turret roof feature is an example of changing/removing/demolishing an established prominent feature within the Conservation Area and possessing considerable architectural merit which, if implemented, will have a negative effect.

It is appropriate to refer to the Society’s strapline “Shaping the future, Safeguarding the Past”. This application, if allowed, would shape the future in an unacceptable way, not only the loss of a positive feature but exposure of a utilitarian yard – a very negative effect which would certainty not able to be described as Safeguarding the Past.”