Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in respect of any item of business to be considered at the meeting.

The following declarations were made in relation to items of business at the meeting:

Epsom General Hospital, Dorking Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7EG

Councillor Clive Woodbridge: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Clive Woodbridge declared on behalf of all Members of the Committee that all Members had received a number of emails and publications from the Applicant of this Item as well as from objectors (including individuals as well as associations such as the Woodcote Epsom Residents Society and Epsom Civic Society). Councillor Woodbridge stated that this correspondence had not affected Members' judgement and that all Members came to the meeting without any pre-determination.

Councillor Liz Frost MSc FCOptom: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Liz Frost declared that she is a trustee of the Woodcote Millennium Green Trust. The Woodcote Millennium Green is situated opposite the site of the Application. Councillor Frost stated that she came to the meeting on behalf of Woodcote Ward residents.

Councillor Neil Dallen: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Neil Dallen declared that he is a member of the Epsom Civic Society. He stated that he came to the meeting with a clear and open mind.

Councillor Previn Jagutpal: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Previn Jagutpal declared that he is a Member of the Woodcote Epsom Residents Society. Councillor Jagutpal made a further declaration that he had received literature from the Applicant as well as correspondence from residents regarding this Item and that he came to the meeting with an open mind.

Councillor Steven McCormick: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Steven McCormick declared that he is a Member of the Woodcote Epsom Residents Society and Epsom Civic Society, and that he came to the meeting with a clear and open mind.

Viv Evans: In the interest of openness and transparency, Mr. Viv Evans declared that he works in both public and private sectors as a Planning Consultant, and has advised and continues to provide advice for hospital-related care Applications. Mr. Evans also stated that he has never advised or acted for the Applicant for this Application.

Demolition of the existing hospital buildings, accommodation block and associated structures and redevelopment of the site to provide a new care community for older people arranged in two buildings, comprising 302 to 308 care residences, 8 to 12 care apartments and 26 to 30 care suites proving transitional care, together with ancillary communal and support services Use Class C2, 24 key worker units Use Class C3, children’s nursery Use Class D1 as well as associated back of house and service areas, car and cycle parking, altered vehicular and pedestrian access, landscaping, private amenity space and public open space.

Description

Demolition of the existing hospital buildings, accommodation block and associated structures and redevelopment of the site to provide a new care community for older people arranged in two buildings, comprising 302 to 308 care residences, 8 to 12 care apartments and 26 to 30 care suites proving transitional care, together with ancillary communal and support services Use Class C2, 24 key worker units Use Class C3, children’s nursery Use Class D1 as well as associated back of house and service areas, car and cycle parking, altered vehicular and pedestrian access, landscaping, private amenity space and public open space.

Decision

The Committee was adjourned for 10 minutes to ensure all Members had sufficient time to read the Update Report which was published the afternoon of the Committee meeting.

The Committee noted a presentation from the Planning Officer.

The Committee heard from Ward Councillor, Liz Frost, who spoke in objection to the Application. Councillor Liz Frost made a declaration of interest in advance of addressing the Committee. This declaration noted that Councillor Liz Frost is a trustee of the Woodcote Grove Millennium Trust, but that she would be addressing the Committee on behalf of Woodcote Ward residents. The Committee also heard from two objectors to the Application; on behalf of the Woodcote Epsom Residents Society and Epsom Civic Society respectively. The Committee then heard from a local resident in support of the Application. Finally, the Committee heard from an Agent to the Applicant, and from the Developer.

The following points were raised by the Committee:

a)            Design and materials: Members noted concerns regarding the height, mass, bulk and design of the proposal. Members noted the size and scale of the proposal and its materials and spoke about whether it would adversely impact the character and appearance of with the surrounding area. It was noted that should the Application be approved, the Local Planning Authority would receive samples of materials to approve, as part of an Approval of Details application, to ensure the final material palette is appropriate..

b)            Housing: Members noted the shortage of delivery of housing land supply within the Borough and how the proposed development would be of substantial benefit in fulfilling need. However, concerns were expressed about the potential over-supply of C2 units and lack of C3 units. It was noted that it was of Officers opinion that the proposed development makes efficient use of the site.

c)            Parking and highways: Members noted the number of proposed parking spaces for the site and the possible shortfall in spaces for key workers. Members raised concerns regarding the number of proposed disabled parking spaces, and the arrangements for parking for the nursery staff. Members raised concerns regarding the impact this may have on the local area. It was noted that the Transport Assessment deemed the parking proposals as acceptable. It was noted that the site is situated within close proximity to bus routes and a short distance to Epsom train station.

d)            Trees and landscaping: Members raised concerns regarding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.