Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to publish the Draft Epsom Town Centre Masterplan for public consultation for a period of four weeks commencing on the 24 November 2023.

The then emerging Epsom Town Centre Masterplan informed draft allocations SA1 – SA4 detailed in the Draft Epsom and Ewell Local Plan (2022-2040) that was consulted on between 1 February and 19 March 2023.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Approve the publication of the Draft Epsom Town Centre Masterplan for public consultation for a period of four weeks to commence on the Friday 24 November 2023 at noon and conclude on Friday 22 December at midnight.  

The Committee received a report seeking approval to publish the Draft Epsom Town Centre Masterplan for public consultation for a period of four weeks commencing on the 24 November 2023.

The then emerging Epsom Town Centre Masterplan informed draft allocations SA1 – SA4 detailed in the Draft Epsom and Ewell Local Plan (2022-2040) that was consulted on between 1 February and 19 March 2023.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Mismatch between dates. A Member of the Committee raised a concern regarding a mismatch between the consultation dates and the Council dates, and whether the consultation evidence would have the opportunity to feed into the discussions and decisions taking place by Members. The Member continued to ask if it can be ensured that the evidence collecting, and decision timelines can be aligned. The Chair responded to inform the Committee that this is a draft document which the Council are going out to get feedback on and further refine it, as a result of that feedback, as was seen in early 2023 when the Reg 18 Draft Local Plan went out for public consultation. The Chair continued to explain that the Draft Town Centre Masterplan has come about from further consultation with Members and input from the initial consultation and is primarily driven from a place making and planning point of view. The Chair informed the Committee that the Member briefings taking place on site selection and spatial strategy have been coordinated to align with the property side of the Council. The Planning Policy Manager informed the Committee that the Town Centre Masterplan is a key piece of evidence base that informed the draft Local Plan, that can be further discussed at upcoming Member briefings.

b)            Spelling Mistakes. A Member of the Committee raised the spelling mistakes and grammatical errors throughout the Draft Epsom Town Centre Masterplan document and stated that it reflects badly on the Council to have such an important document created that contains errors. Members of the Committee asked the Chair to ensure that all mistakes would be corrected before the document is open to the public consultation. The Chair confirmed that the mistakes would be corrected before the document is published as part of the public consultation.

c)            Consultation Questions. A Member of the Committee asked for confirmation that the consultation questions are clear, sensible, and unambiguous. The Chair responded to explain that significant lessons were learned from the last public consultation and Officers have taken into account feedback that was received in order to make improvements and ensure that questions are as unambiguous as possible.

d)            Density and Height in the Town Centre. A Member of the Committee raised a concern that the Draft Epsom Town Centre Masterplan document does not reflect Councillor’s comments regarding density and height in the Town Centre. The Chair agreed with the Member and confirmed to the Committee that all evidence will be coordinated. Another Member of the Committee raised that the height limitations included in the Town Centre Masterplan  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51