Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing building and construction of a new part 7 and part 8 storey building containing ground floor commercial/retail (E use class) and 25 residential units (C3 Use) on upper levels and associated development.

Description

Demolition of existing building and construction of a new part 7 and part 8 storey building containing ground floor commercial/retail (E use class) and 25 residential units (C3 Use) on upper levels and associated development.

Decision

The Committee noted a presentation from the Principal Planning Officer.

A refusal was proposed by Councillor Neil Dallen, and seconded by Councillor Jan Mason. The reason for this refusal was based on concerns raised by the Committee, including those regarding: height, design and density.

Following consideration it was resolved, with 7 Members voting in favour, 4 Members voting against and 1 abstention, to REFUSE the Application based on the following reasons:

(1)           As a result of its overall height, design and density, the proposed development would fail to integrate with the character and appearance of the area, to the detriment of the existing town character and therefore, in accordance with paragraph 134 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2021), should be refused.  The proposal would be contrary to Policies CS1 and CS5 of the Epsom and Ewell Core Strategy (2007),  Policies DM9, DM10 and DM13 of the Epsom and Ewell Development Management Policies (2015) and Policy E7 of the Plan E Area Action Plan (2011).

(2)          The proposal would result in the loss of a good quality Conservation Area building that makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the Epsom Town Centre Conservation Area, for which no suitable replacement has been made.  The proposal would therefore cause less than significant harm to the heritage asset that would not be outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme.  The proposal would therefore fail to accord with Section 72 of the Listed Buildings and Conservation Area Act 1990, paragraph 202 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2021), Policy DM8 of the of the Epsom and Ewell Development Management Policies (2015) and the relevant paragraphs of the NPPF 2021.