Agenda and minutes

Venue: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4746139109888192014

Contact: Democratic Services, email:  democraticservices@epsom-ewell.gov.uk  tel: 01372 732000

Items
No. Item

43.

Declarations of Interest

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.

Minutes:

The following declarations were made in relation to Items of business to be discussed at the meeting:

Councillor Neil Dallen: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Neil Dallen declared that he is a member of Epsom Civic Society and that he came to the meeting with a clear and open mind. Councillor Neil Dallen also declared that he is a candidate in the upcoming Surrey County Council Elections.

Councillor Previn Jagutpal: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Previn Jagutpal declared that he is a member of Woodcote Residents Association and that he came to the meeting with a clear and open mind.

Councillor Steven McCormick: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Steven McCormick declared that he is a member of Epsom Civic Society, Epsom and Ewell Tree Advisory Board and Woodcote (Epsom) Residents Society and that he came to the meeting with a clear and open mind. Councillor Steven McCormick also declared that he is a candidate in the upcoming Surrey County Council Elections.

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

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Other Interest: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Clive Woodbridge declared on behalf of all Councillors that all Councillors had received a number of correspondence from the Applicant and rejectors regarding this Item. Councillor Clive Woodbridge also stated that all Councillors came to the meeting with a clear and open mind, and without predetermination.

Councillor Liz Frost MSc, Other Interest: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Liz Frost declared that she is a member of the Woodcote Millennial Green Trust.

 

44.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 113 KB

The Committee is asked to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning Committee held on the 1 April (attached) and authorise the Chairman to sign them.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on 1 April were agreed as a true record and the Committee authorised the Chairman to sign them.

45.

Epsom General Hospital, Dorking Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7EG pdf icon PDF 326 KB

Erection of a multi storey car park comprising ground plus 5 storeys and 527 car parking spaces, reconfiguration of surface parking to provide 104 car parking spaces and improvement to the access road from Dorking Road.

Minutes:

The Committee was informed that this Item had been withdrawn from the Agenda for the Meeting at the request of Officers, to allow for additional consultation to take place.

46.

Epsom General Hospital, Dorking Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7EG pdf icon PDF 798 KB

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 267 care residences, 10 care apartments and 28 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 E, 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.

Minutes:

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 267 care residences, 10 care apartments and 28 care suites proving transitional care, together with ancillary communal and support services Use Class C2, 24 key worker units Use Class C3, childrens nursery Use Class E, 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 15 minutes to ensure all Members had sufficient time to read the Update Report and Addendums which were published the evening of the Committee meeting.

The Committee noted a presentation from the Planning Officer.

The Committee was addressed by Councillor Liz Frost, Ward Member, who spoke in objection to the Application. The Committee also heard from a supporter, an objector on behalf of Woodcote Epsom Residents Society, and an agent to the Applicant.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            Height and massing: Members raised 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 the surrounding area. The Officer confirmed that the proposed material palette had been carefully considered to ensure longevity of materials.

b)           Housing density: 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.

c)            Impact on neighbouring amenity: Members raised concerns regarding the size and scale of the proposed development and its adverse impact on neighbouring amenity. The Officer noted that steps had been taken to reduce adverse neighbouring impact, including the reduction of car-parking spaces.

d)           Trees and landscaping: Members raised concerns regarding the proposed trees, and whether they may provide suitable coverage year-round. The Officer confirmed that the nature of the trees could be determined as part of a Planning Condition to ensure they would be appropriate for all seasons. It was noted that the trees planted across the frontage of Woodcote Green Road would be planted at 6m in height, and would grow to at least 10m in height.

e)            Affordable housing: Members noted the Applicant’s £1.5 million contribution towards affordable housing, in addition to the re-provision of 24 key worker housing units on site. Following a question from a Member, the Officer confirmed that as part of the s106 agreement, these key worker units would come under the control of the Council through the Housing team regarding who may occupy them. The Officer also confirmed that the £1.5 million contribution would be allocated to the Council’s Housing department for the delivery of affordable housing.

A refusal was proposed by Councillor Steven McCormick, and seconded by Councillor Neil Dallen. The reason for this refusal was based on concerns raised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

47.

Development Site At 65 London Road Ewell Surrey KT17 2BL pdf icon PDF 275 KB

Construction of a three to six storey building comprising 45 flats (Use Class C3) with associated car and cycle parking, refuse storage and ancillary works.

Minutes:

Due to time constraints, the Committee were unable to discuss this Item. It has been deferred to be discussed at a future meeting.

48.

Monthly Appeals Report pdf icon PDF 121 KB

The Planning Service has received the following Appeal decisions from 18December 2020 to 8 April 2021.

 

Minutes:

The Committee noted the Appeal Decisions from 18 December 2020 to 8 April 2021.