Month: December 2023

Save Epsom & Ewell Green Belt News

Following the announcement from Michael Gove (the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) on 19th  December, the highly anticipated revised NPPF (National
Planning Policy Framework) is finally published, which cemented that housing targets are ‘advisory’ – they are not mandatory. It is also clearly stated that a local authority’s Green
Belt boundaries do not need to be changed to meet its housing target.

This is fantastic news for Epsom and Ewell.
Last February, Epsom and Ewell Council published its draft Local Plan for 2022 to 2040. This included proposals to cover very significant areas of the Borough’s Green Belt – at Horton
Farm, the Hook Road Arena, and Ewell East Station – with housing estates. It defended these proposals on the grounds that it had to demonstrate that it was doing all it could to meet the Government’s housing targets. This justification is no longer possible. It is now evident that, if the Council were to continue
with its proposals to build on the Green Belt, this would be because it has decided to voluntarily sacrifice our most important open spaces, which the recent public consultation
on the draft Plan showed are highly valued by the vast majority of the Borough’s residents.


The Epsom and Ewell Green Belt Group, together with the Surrey Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), is calling on the Council and its Councillors to instruct the
planning officers to republish its Local Plan within the next few weeks, removing all greenbelt sites, reducing the housing target to a rational approximately 3,500 homes for the
Plan period, and focusing on developing all available brownfield sites. We have produced a list of the changes that would need to be made to the draft Plan so that it complies with the
Government’s revised NPPF (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework–2).

Keep Our Green Belt Safe

Issued by The Epsom & Ewell Green Belt Group and CPRE Surrey
For more information and to sign the Petition, visit https://epsomgreenbelt.org/

Mole Valley Local Plan Paused

Local Plan Update Following Publication of New Government Policy Framework

Mole Valley has paused the examination of its Local Plan pending clarity on government policy following changes proposed to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2022. 

 

Councillor Margaret Cooksey, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “The Government sets out its planning policy requirements in documents called the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). In December 2022, they announced changes to the NPPF that, if carried through in accordance with the consultation they ran (which ended in March 2023), would have had implications for MVDC’s emerging local plan. The consultation suggested that MVDC would not be required to review the district’s green belt as a way of meeting housing needs. For this reason, MVDC paused the examination of the local plan until the government’s policy position was clarified. Despite the revisions to the NPPF being promised in the spring of 2023, the document was only published on 19 December 2023. 

 

“I could not be more disappointed. The new NPPF includes a provision appearing to mean, for the purposes of our Local Plan examination, that MVDC is not allowed to use the new NPPF at all. This was not something that was in the consultation draft produced by the government and, in essence, means that MVDC will have waited 12 months for clarification of government policy, only to be told it cannot be used. We feel very disappointed by the Secretary of State’s decision and badly let down. 

 

“This is such a recent development that it will require time to hear from the Local Plan Inspector as to how she wishes us to progress, and for MVDC to subsequently make a decision as to the best course of action for the district.” 

Message from Chris Grayling MP

Message from Chris Grayling MP for Epsom & Ewell


Dear constituent


This has been a particularly challenging year for many people locally, and so in my Christmas message, I want to pay particular tribute to all of those working for local voluntary groups who do so much to help those who are struggling. We are very fortunate to have so many people locally who are willing to give up their time to help the multitude of local charities and other groups who make such a difference.


You may remember last year that I worked with Citizens Advice and the Good Company, which runs the local foodbank, to provide extra support for people struggling with high energy bills. Thanks to the generosity of local people we raised around £50,000 to help those who needed it. The Epsom and Ewell Energy Support Scheme provided help to local families who were struggling with energy bills to make their homes more energy efficient. In total so far the scheme has helped nearly a thousand people with short term financial help, energy advice and the purchase of low energy appliances. This is what some of those who took part said afterwards.


“I found the workshop very helpful and really enjoyed talking to the other participants, sharing tips on how to save energy. The takeaway tips are also very informative. Thank you so much for your kindness and giving me really useful information about the cost of energy and how to reduce usage and keep warm and safe this winter, which like many people has been scaring the life out of me.” (Denise, group workshop)


“The scheme is very helpful and opened my eyes to certain areas of wasted electricity in my home. I certainly think more about what appliances are on and what we don’t need to use…. Have already used air fryer and not had oven on for a few days. Great help, thank you.” (Tim, 1-to-1 consultation)


“I found the consultation very helpful – definitely more conscious of how you can save money… Because of my mental health, I find phone calls to these big companies very daunting, and they kindly offered to sign me up to a friendlier way of getting through with a specialist team if I need to get in touch… Thank you also for the top up and offer of appliances to help me save on my bill. So grateful for the opportunity.” (Michele, 1-to-1 consultation)


We are running the scheme again this winter, and would be very grateful for contributions, however small. Details of the scheme and how to contribute are at www.justgiving.com/campaign/epsomewellenergysupportscheme


This will be my last Christmas message as your local MP, as I am not standing again at the election. But I will be there doing what I can to help with local issues right through to the election as always.


In the meantime, though, I hope that you and your family have a good Christmas and that 2024 proves to be a good year for everyone.


With best wishes


Chris Grayling

Epsom & Ewell Council office relocation plans

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council set to embark on office relocation plans

Councillors at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council voted at a Full Council meeting on 12 December 2023 to undertake the relocation of the council’s Town Hall accommodation. Staff currently located at the Town Hall will move to 70 East Street, a modern purpose-built office building in central Epsom. 

The move will bring about a number of significant benefits:

      • Financial benefits: Remaining in the Town Hall building would require it to have extensive, costly refurbishment over the coming years to comply with energy efficiency and fire regulations, along with general maintenance of existing building structures which are reaching end of life, which would cost more than twice as much as the cost of relocating. In addition, the move will create significant operating cost savings into the long term, with annual operating costs expected to reduce by over 50%. These future costs savings will help sustain key service delivery.
      • Environmental benefits: The new building will be more energy efficient and sustainable with a smaller carbon footprint, enabling the council to deliver on its ambitions to be a greener council and to become carbon neutral by 2035.
      • Service benefits: The move will provide a modern and fit-for-the-future workplace that will best serve the Borough.

The East Street building is already owned by the Council. It is a five-minute walk to the High Street and bus stops are located directly outside the building, providing easily accessible public transport. The building also provides its own parking, serving visitors and those with mobility issues.

It is intended that 70 East Street will not accommodate the Council Chamber, and instead a separate proposal is being developed to locate this in Bourne Hall, Ewell.

Cllr Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy & Resources Committee, said: “Our focus must always be on what is best for our residents, and the significant financial and environmental benefits of this move are clear. The current Town Hall building is expensive to run and contains a significant amount of unused space. The new building is smaller and will be far more cost-efficient. The costs involved with the move are far outweighed by the savings that we will make through avoiding the Town Hall refurbishment and through significantly reduced running costs into the long-term.

“Just as importantly, the move will allow us to progress towards our target to become a carbon-neutral council by 2035. We believe the relocation will provide multiple benefits to the borough.”

Image of Jackie KingJackie King, Chief Executive of the council, said: “Relocating council staff to a smaller, modern and fit-for-purpose building aligns strongly with our ongoing determination to be a modern, forward-looking organisation that can best meet the needs of our residents. We are excited to progress with this move and improve value for money for our taxpayers as well as continue to provide the best services possible to the community.”

Work continues to look at options for the existing Town Hall site and this will form the subject of a separate report to the council’s Strategy and Resources Committee in due course.

Date for the move is still to be set.

Latest News from Chris Grayling MP

Here is the latest news from Chris Grayling MP for Epsom & Ewell:


Dear constituent


I am writing to you with an update on a number of local matters.


Castle Road Footbridge

Firstly, an apology. In my last bulletin I said that I had been told that the Castle Road footbridge in Epsom would be repaired and reopened in November. No sooner had I done this than Network Rail got back in touch to say they had found a bigger problem and the bridge would have to be rebuilt. Sorry if I raised your hopes. For those who live nearby, this is the plan for work to replace the bridge.


Epsom Town Centre Plan

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has “unpaused” its draft local plan and I am expecting further consultation about its proposals for the whole area shortly. I will let you know when I hear more about when you can become involved again.

But in the meantime it has published its more detailed proposals for Epsom Town Centre and is seeking opinions about them. You can take part in the consultation at https://epsom-ewell.inconsult.uk/ETCMP/


Free Cyber Security Training from Surrey Police

Surrey Police have launched free cyber security training to any small business, community group, charity, education facility or any group that would benefit. Last year, 39% of small businesses suffered a cyber attack.


The programme is being delivered as an online event via MS Teams for small audiences but in person for audiences larger than 25. If you are interested please let me know and I will get the specialist officer who does this to get in touch with you.


Thames Water Scam

Thames Water have been in touch to say that they have learned that a fake letter has been sent to some customers containing a QR code which directs them to a fraudulent website offering help with paying their bills. The website then goes on to ask for personal information such as date of birth, address and passport number. They are asking customers to take care and say that they will never ask customers for their personal or financial details, access to their online account or for any urgent action or a rushed decision.


Winter Help

Finally a couple of things for people having difficulties this winter.

Citizens Advice in Epsom is offering free appointments for anyone who needs advice about their energy use this winter, an in particular how to apply for grants and benefits and to become more energy efficient.

To book a free, confidential appointment call CAEE on Freephone 0808 278 7963, drop in 10am-1pm Mondays (from 4 December) and Tuesdays or 10am-3pm on Thursdays at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, The Old Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom, KT18 5AG.


In addition, local volunteers from Rotary and Abbeyfield Southern Oaks are holding a special community hub this month in Ewell Village for anyone who feels that they are struggling financially, or with loneliness, health or other issues. somewhere they can go and there is a listening ear. The sessions are completely free with refreshments and lunch included. The Hub is meeting on Friday 8th and 22nd December in Ewell Hall between 10.30 am and 1.30pm.


I hope you are keeping well.

Best wishes

Chris Grayling
Contact Chris:

Email: [email protected]

Constituency Office: 01372 271 036

Address: 212 Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2DB

Mike Ford Copse

A dedication event was held on Sunday 3rd December at Alexandra Recreation Ground to honour local hero Mike Ford

In a heartwarming event volunteers from Friends of Alexandra Park and the Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board (EETAB), local councillors Steven McCormick, James Laurence and Bernie Muir, the Epsom & Ewell Tree Officer and the Mayor, Councillor Rob Geleit gathered on December 3rd at Alexander Recreation Ground to pay tribute to a beloved local figure, Mike Ford, affectionately known as ‘Mr. Tree.’

Mr. Ford has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicating countless hours to the preservation and enhancement of our natural environment. His unwavering commitment to the cause of tree conservation and environmental stewardship has left an indelible mark on Epsom & Ewell.

The dedication event served as a poignant moment to recognize and express gratitude for his exceptional contributions.

The event was opened by Howard Gregory the chair of EETAB with words from Kevin Greening and Simon Alford, EETAB members, before introducing the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell. The Epsom and Ewell Tree Officer then presented Mike with a collection of photographs taken when the original copse was planted.

In his speech Mayor Rob Geleit said “Mike is firmly rooted in his conviction that planting a tree today is an investment for the whole community, combating climate change and helping biodiversity as well as a thing of beauty in itself. His and the Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board’s aim is ensure that they pass on to future generations a borough that is at least as leafy as the one we have all inherited.”

As well as speeches, the event included a symbolic tree layout for the planned rejuvenation of the Ford copse, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to forever mark Mike Ford’s contributions at Alexander Recreation Ground.

The event concluded with a sense of community pride and a commitment to carrying forward Mr. Tree’s legacy.

A person wearing a yellow vest Description automatically generated

For further information about Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.eetab.org.uk/

Facebook: @EpsomEwellTreeAdvisoryBoard

 

 

 

 

A Tale of Two Kickers

Sutton & Epsom 21 Old Colfeians 17 – A Tale of Two Kickers


Old Colfeians arrived at Rugby Lane as the form team in the league with five victories on the spin. Meanwhile a resurgent Sutton & Epsom had won all their three November fixtures and were equally confident. Both squads were hit by injuries and illness with S&E giving a debut to Matt Symonds on the wing. The last time the Black & Whites played OCs in 2007 the Kent side managed to record the only blemish on James Clark’s perfect season. Fixtures between the two clubs go back 50 years and in the league era the matches have always been keenly contested and Saturday was no exception with Sutton winning 21-17.


There was a serious risk that the freezing weather might sabotage the game but a moderately milder morning, temperatures being above zero, meant that the crowd would not be disappointed. Freddy Bunting set the game in motion and the visitors immediately demonstrated their superlative form with the opening score after five minutes. Having spun the ball wide to both flanks the forwards took over in the 22. Phase after phase they remorselessly advanced under the posts until prop Tom Rameaux powered over. Chris Harris added the simple conversion for a 7-0 lead. In the early exchanges the powerful pack of the visitors initially held the upper hand in the set scrum but the host’s lineout was more efficient and also disrupted the Colfeians ball. Both sets of backs looked threatening when they had possession and expectations of a closely fought encounter, that had been anticipated before the kick off, were being fully justified.



In the closing moments of the first quarter Sutton had an attacking lineout. Josh Pulvirenti took the ball and the pack advanced. The referee noted an indiscretion by the visitors but he played the advantage and was soon raising his arm to signal Rob Hegarty’s try. Freddy Bunting’s conversion cleared the uprights but just drifted wide as S&E trailed 5-7. The game was being played at a furious pace with both sides tenaciously contesting the breakdown forcing turnovers and errors. On the half hour S&E had another opportunity with a 5-metre lineout. The ball was safely secured and Matt Whitaker exploded from the pack powering over the line with would be tacklers hanging off him. Normal service resumed as Freddy Bunting added the extras to put his team into a 12-7 lead.


Old Colfeians reply was immediate and the Sutton lead short lived. With commendable adventure they ran a penalty from halfway and advanced to the S&E 22. The jinking Chris Harris took over to score a stylish solo effort. He was unable to add the conversion to his try but the Kent team were level at 12-12. Before the interval the Sutton back division that had already endured three changes before the start had another set back as Steve Munford was forced off through injury to be replaced by the versatile Jack Howes. The momentum had shifted to the visitors and Chris Harris came off his wing to create the overlap and the OCs surged from their 22 but the Sutton cover forced a knock on. The half concluded with the Black & Whites pressing hard but undone by an error in the opposition 22 and there was no further addition to the score and the sides turned around at 12 apiece.


Sutton & Epsom were fast out of the blocks in the second half from a lineout it was a vintage run from Matt Whitaker carrying the ball 40 metres. Sadly, the talismanic eight had outrun his support but soon had the consolation of a penalty. From a central position near halfway Freddy Bunting thumped the ball between the posts for a 15-12 lead. Once again the visitors responded with an assault on the Sutton 22 with the sidestepping Chris Harris to the fore. Alex Mount conceded a penalty but immediately made amends by winning a turnover from the quickly taken play. S&E replaced Tom Boaden with Callum Gibson, who is a man of considerable ‘avoirdupois’ whose 140kg frame might turn a deck-chair to match-wood, to add ballast to the front row. In addition their lineout with the catch and drive was becoming a potent weapon.



The weather began to deteriorate as not only did the temperature plummet but also a fog began to descend and gradually envelop proceedings. As Colfeians sought parity they probed the 22 and were awarded a penalty for a Ghumra knock on. Chris Harris went for the three-point option but hooked his kick. In stark contrast a couple of minutes later Sutton were awarded a penalty on the halfway line on the angle with a distance in excess of 50 metres. With a truly magnificent strike Freddy Bunting bisected the posts. The strike was greeted with rapturous applause from the crowd as much for the 18-12 lead as for the opportunity to warm their hands.


As had been the case throughout the match the men from Horn Park responded at once in the grand manner. Winning a kickable penalty they opted to kick for the corner. They won the lineout and after sustained pressure the ball was transferred to hooker Daniel Orubo who dismissively broke through the tacklers to score. With the conversion going awry there was now only a solitary point in the game with Sutton & Epsom holding the advantage at 18-17. With the game entering the final quarter and so finely poised the hosts now played their best rugby of the match. With a slender lead the key is to play in the opposition’s half and they proceeded to dominate the territorial battle.


The game opened up and Sutton scrum half Chris Ballard became more influential making sniping breaks and playing at a high tempo. From one counter the 9 won a penalty and took the quick tap which instigated multiple attacks from the Rugby Lane XV. Colfeians defensive resolve was impressive as they managed to halt Kyren Ghumra in the corner and the hosts were held up over the line. S&E were then gifted a great chance by a careless knock in the 22. From the scrum Matt Whitaker headed for glory. Once more the Horn Park men stood firm and Sutton were held up over the line. The visibility deteriorated and the distant Clubhouse was shrouded in fog. A shrill blast of Tobias Whitney’s whistle indicated another penalty for Sutton. Freddy Bunting stepped up and hammered it home for a 21-17 lead with a couple of minutes of normal time remaining.

a tale of two kickers match photo

Up to this point Sutton had been exemplary on receipt of the restarts but at this vital stage they gave away a penalty. The visitors, conscious of the clock, turned down a shot at goal. Now the anxiety of the crowd as much as the fog descended on Rugby Lane as they knew another Colfeians try would see them take the lead. As they tried to work an overlap on the 22 Kyren Ghumra made a priceless interception. From the subsequent Sutton scrum the hosts failed to find touch and invited more pressure on themselves but forced a knock on with thunderous tackle. S&E conceded a penalty from the scrum and OCs turned the screw by opting for another scrum. Their followed a commendable moment of tactical acumen as the home team replaced their hooker with a prop. The beefed up Black & White pack drove their opponents off the ball and were awarded a penalty which was greeted by the loudest cheer of the day. Bunting kicked to touch, the lineout was secured and the clock was run down before the ball was kicked to the grandstand. Sutton had won this epic encounter 21-17.


The excellence of Freddy Bunting’s placekicking had made the vital the difference. The Colfeians powerful forwards with the outstanding Number 8 Conor Gray had an influential afternoon with Chris Harris their creative hub in the backs. However, Sutton & Epsom played with steely determination that bodes well for the rest of the season. Once again they raised their game in the second half with their collective desire epitomised by debutant Matt Symonds’ nerveless display. This is the midpoint of the season and the reverse fixtures begin next Saturday with a trip to Balmoral Avenue to take on leaders Beckenham. Back in September on that remarkably hot day the Kent side won 42-41. It will be another stern test for the Black & Whites especially as their hosts will no doubt be smarting from having just lost to bottom of the table Sidcup.


Sutton & Epsom:
Gareth O’Brien, Kyren Ghumra, Steve Munford, Ciaran Mohr, Matt Symonds, Freddy Bunting ©, Chris Ballard, Tom Boaden, Chris Farrell, Alex Mount, Ewan McTaggart, Josh Glanville,
George London, Josh Pulvirenti & Rob Hegarty.

Replacements: Callum Gibson, Ben Tame & Jack Howes.

Match Report:John Croysdil
Photos: Robin Kennedy

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