Agenda item

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 restrict and cut off options for the overall Local Plan. The Planning Policy Manager confirmed that the steer David Lock Associates received from Councillors, highlighted the desire for mixed used development and regeneration of sites having regard for local character and sensitivities, such as heritage, coworking opportunities, affordable housing and family homes within the Town Centre and the design of which responds positively to the character and heritage assets.  The Planning Policy Manager confirmed that David Lock Associates took that feedback away and that is reflected in the proposed opportunity sites within the draft document. The Planning Policy Manager stated that if Member views have changed then there is an opportunity during the upcoming Member briefings to discuss it and respond and a further opportunity through the public consultation. 

e)            Consultation Questions. A Member of the Committee asked Councillors to be sent the consultation questions before the public consultation goes live. The Chair confirmed that all Members would be provided with the consultation questions.

f)             Summary Document. A Member of the Committee asked if the Draft Epsom Town Centre Masterplan document could be shortened or summarised so as to try and ensure people are able to engage with it more effectively. The Member continued to highlight that the brief version of the draft Local Plan that was shared with residents as part of the public consultation in early 2023, allowed many more residents to engage with the subject matter more effectively, and will encourage those outside of Councillors and Lobby groups to respond.  The Chair highlighted that a summary document for the draft Local Plan was created as the document in its entirety exceeded 400 pages. The Chair informed the Committee that following the unpause of the Local Plan and associated works, there has not been the time to create a summary document for the draft Town Centre Masterplan.

g)            Delivery Bikes. A Member of the Committee raised the issue of proliferation of small delivery bikes along the high street and asked if considerations have been made as to where they can go, since they currently take up large parts of the high street. The Member acknowledged that they are important for the business that they serve but the current situation is a problem. The Member asked if the Committee asked whether it is expected to come up and be dealt with through the consultation process or if not, the Committee could recommend some follow-up work to address this specific issue. The Interim Head of Place Development informed the Committee that the public consultation may draw out people’s views on whether the bikes should be prevented or facilitated in certain parts of the Town Centre.

h)            Majestic wine site. A Member asked if it was appropriate to have Majestic Wine listed as the ‘former tenants’ of the site if they are still currently trading, therefore should the work ‘former’ be removed.  The Chair has stated that the reference to the ‘former Majestic Wine’ is regarding the site that was used by Majestic Wine, not the tenancy or trading of the business.

i)             Trees. A Member of the Committee asked if the trees shown throughout the draft document, shown on East Street and the High Street, will be able to be planted, given the issues that have been faced by the Council when it comes to planting more trees in the Town Centre. The Planning Policy Manager responded to inform the Committee that the draft document sets out some high-level illustrative concepts of what could happen on key transport corridors. The Planning Policy Manager agreed that they are ambitious and radical, and Officers are seeking comments on those proposals. The Planning Policy Manager informed the Committee that some of the tree planting and wider public enhancements could be enabled by reconfiguring the A24, as set out in the draft document, to reduce highway capacity and provide more space for pedestrians and cyclists. The Chair informed the Committee that they are aware of the issues around trying to get street trees in the ground and assures the Committee that the Council will do as much as they can with what they have.

j)             Summary Clarification. A Member of the Committee raised a query about agenda item 4 summary, on page 21, and asked for clarification. The Chair clarified issues and informed the Committee that they would wound ensure the clarity and simplicity of report summaries at Callover Meetings.

Councillor Lawrence made verbal statement to the Committee.

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.