Click here to see map for location of Woodcote Stud Wilmerhatch Lane Epsom

25/01483/FUL Demolition of all existing buildings and structures (excluding Woodcote House) and the construction of a new supported living building (Class C2), as an expansion to the retained Class C2 use at Woodcote House, and 14no residential dwellings (including 5no affordable dwellings) together with associated access, car parking and garages, landscaping and shared open space.

This application is to use a relatively small part of the important Green Belt land separating Epsom from Ashtead. The ECS Committee discussed the proposal, which of itself is desirable, contributing much-needed affordable housing, but may be part of an aspiration eventually to develop the whole plot owned by the Applicant. The current proposal, if implemented, risks rendering the remainder of the plot “Grey Belt” and thus vulnerable to future development. Accordingly, the Society has adopted a neutral stance and commented on the EEBC Planning website as below:-

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

Having considered and debated, ECS takes a neutral stance about this application and will accept the decision of the Planning Officers.

However, ECS notes with some concern that with reference to the Location plan there is a line coloured blue delineating a large swathe of land outside the application site boundary. The concern is that there may be a “hidden agenda” in this nomenclature on the plan indicating its relevance to the red line of the application site.

Any granting of approval to this application must not be seen as a precedent to new build development on the wider, blue edged land.

This wider swathe of land is of a status of high performing Green Belt in the urban environment and crucial to the separation of Epsom to Ashtead. The thrust of NPPF 143, a, b and c is relevant and must be upheld continuing to do as it does now.”