Click here to see map for location of Former Police Station Church Street Epsom.
22/00923/FUL Demolition of the existing police station (Use Class E) and ambulance station (Sui Generis) and erection of a new residential, nursing and dementia care home for the frail elderly (Use Class C2) comprising ancillary communal facilities and dementia care, basement parking, reconfigured vehicular access onto Church Street, landscaping and all other associated works.
This is the latest proposal for the site, and one which the Society supports in principle, being smaller and lower than any prior proposal, and despite the Society’s reservations about the extent of “later living” provision being proposed in Epsom. Permission has previously been granted for two blocks totalling 29 flats on the same site, but the current proposed design is more in keeping with its Conservation Area location.
The Society notes that the 5 storey element of the scheme conflicts with the 12m height restriction set out in Plan E but accept that this guidance is probably now superseded by design guidance in the NPPF as well as the Council’s Making Efficient use of Land policy statement. Moreover, it is considered that the recessing of the fifth storey successfully reduces the visual impact of the additional storey upon the street scene.
The Society places great importance on any development of the site safeguarding the protected trees within the site and ensuring that the magnificent cedar tree on the Church Street frontage is not in any way compromised. The protected existing trees are of high amenity value and the layout allows for their protection, while the proposed planting of a further 25 trees will further contribute to the site’s green infrastructure and enhancement of biodiversity. The Society recommends that special attention be made for the protection of the retained trees.
Concerns about possible asbestos contamination and disturbance arising from demolition of the existing buildings, together with a local surface water flood risk are also highlighted in our letter, which can be seen here.
Posted: 4 September 2022 by ecs
Former Police/Ambulance Stations Church Street, Epsom
Click here to see map for location of Former Police Station Church Street Epsom.
22/00923/FUL Demolition of the existing police station (Use Class E) and ambulance station (Sui Generis) and erection of a new residential, nursing and dementia care home for the frail elderly (Use Class C2) comprising ancillary communal facilities and dementia care, basement parking, reconfigured vehicular access onto Church Street, landscaping and all other associated works.
This is the latest proposal for the site, and one which the Society supports in principle, being smaller and lower than any prior proposal, and despite the Society’s reservations about the extent of “later living” provision being proposed in Epsom. Permission has previously been granted for two blocks totalling 29 flats on the same site, but the current proposed design is more in keeping with its Conservation Area location.
The Society notes that the 5 storey element of the scheme conflicts with the 12m height restriction set out in Plan E but accept that this guidance is probably now superseded by design guidance in the NPPF as well as the Council’s Making Efficient use of Land policy statement. Moreover, it is considered that the recessing of the fifth storey successfully reduces the visual impact of the additional storey upon the street scene.
The Society places great importance on any development of the site safeguarding the protected trees within the site and ensuring that the magnificent cedar tree on the Church Street frontage is not in any way compromised. The protected existing trees are of high amenity value and the layout allows for their protection, while the proposed planting of a further 25 trees will further contribute to the site’s green infrastructure and enhancement of biodiversity. The Society recommends that special attention be made for the protection of the retained trees.
Concerns about possible asbestos contamination and disturbance arising from demolition of the existing buildings, together with a local surface water flood risk are also highlighted in our letter, which can be seen here.
Category: Planning, Planning Applications
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