Month: September 2024

Pennyhill Sunday Roast Feast

Now, if there is one meal of the week that I always look forward to it has to be the Sunday roast. Whenever I have been abroad I look forward to getting home for my roast be it beef, lamb, chicken or pork you can’t beat it, in my view. So I was delighted, beyond words, to be invited to the amazing Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa to sample their Sunday lunch. 

Pennyhill Park is nestled in 120 acres of parkland in Bagshot. It is one of Surrey’s most luxurious spa and hotel retreats, offering guests the ultimate reset button. The hotel has two restaurants Latymer, which is a Michelin star and 5 AA rosettes fine dining restaurant. We would be eating at Hillfield a more relaxed dining experience with a British menu using local products.

Hillfield offers a Sunday Feast offering Soups, breads and butter, Buffet of starters, choice of Roasts with family-style sides and a Buffet of desserts. National Chef of the Year 2024 finalist, and Head Chef, Adam Fisher has curated satisfying dishes that can be enjoyed by families and cater to all tastes. Fisher’s dedication to using the best local ingredients ensures a memorable dining experience. With his expertise and recognition as a top chef, guests can expect a culinary journey that combines creativity and tradition. 

So let’s start with the soup. We had a lovely cream of cauliflower soup. Not a lover of cauliflower was sure I would like this but the taste and creaminess was a massive surprised and I just wished there was more. I see why there isn’t more when we came upon the starter buffet.

I don’t think you can beat a starter buffet allowing you to pick from a variety of starters is a great way to try new things or indulge in what you like.  The range at Pennyhill is amazing and my photos doesn’t do it justice. There was everything you could think of. There was salads, salmon, trout, crab, oysters, a selection of cold meats and pate. The range just went on and on. But don’t fall into the trap I did and fill your plate you need room for the main event.

Penny Hill Sunday Feats

The main course is not a buffet and your order is taken before you are served your soup. You have a choice from Beef, Pork, Half a Chicken or a combination of beef, pork and chicken. there is also plant-based Wellington or Roasted Halibut if you don’t want a roast. They are all served with duck fat roast potatoes, carrot & swede mash, Hispi cabbage, cauliflower cheese and of course Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Special mention for the gravy the taste was something else and went well with all the meats.

I went for the traditional roast sirloin of beef with slow roast short rib. My wife went for the Pork while my son went for the combination. What we loved about the main meal is you informed the waiter/waitress when you are ready for it. They don’t just bring it out when you are just finishing your starters like most places. Which after the starters we had was great to have a small pause in eating.

Pennyhill Sunday Feast

When they did arrive the portions were not small. At first I thought this may be due to the fact we were writing a review. But, looking around the room everyone was getting the same. The meats were cooked perfectly and there were plenty of vegetables to go round. I have mentioned the gravy before what we liked is they ask you if you want more, which we did.

The thought of dessert after what we just ate was going further from our minds we were full.Dessert was once again a buffet and looking at the vast selection I was still regretting the size of my starter. At the dessert section there is a make your own mille-feuille station were a member of staff will create a delicious dessert using filo pastry and a selection of creams, fruits, chocolates and custard. I wanted something light so I went for this. I picked strawberries and cream and it was wonderful.

Pennyhill Sunday Feast

Beside the desserts is a coffee and tea station where you can help yourself. We didn’t use this. As for drinks our waiter picked a bottle of red wine for us which was smooth and lovely. Pennyhill has a vast wine list with prices ranging from £38 a bootle up to bottles in their hundreds.

Cost,the Sunday Feast is £65 per person which includes 4 course meal above. A discretionary service charge of 13.5% will be added to your bill, which is shared in full with the team that created your experience. As I said at the begining I love a sunday roast so would I return and the answer is YES. Not every  month but will be going back. The setting is ideal for a special occasion as it was there were a few birthday parties taking place.

In conclusion if you want fantastic cooked roast with a great choice of starters and desserts in the grandeur of lovely surroundings making you feel a little bit special this is the place for you.

For the current menu CLICK LINK 

We would like to say a very big thank you to all the staff at Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa

We would like to point out that the review above is our personal view, and we were invited by the restaurant to do the review, and we were not paid to do this review. 

Epsom & Ewell Council response to Government’s Planning Policy

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council submits strong response to Government’s National Planning Policy Framework Consultation

This week Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Licensing and Planning Policy Committee voted in favour of submitting their agreed response to the Government’s consultation on Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system. While the council agreed with some aspects of the proposed changes, it submitted strong feedback disagreeing with a number of the proposed changes.

The consultation follows the election of the new Government, who made commitments around removing barriers to development including a pledge to build 1.5 million more new homes during this Parliament; and included proposed amendments that would directly impact plan making and decision making in the borough. It also asked for views on a series of wider policy proposals in relation to increasing planning fees, local plan intervention criteria and appropriate thresholds for certain Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

The council’s response included the following points:

    • The council disagrees with proposed changes to the standard method for calculating housing needs in the borough which, if implemented, would increase the housing need figure from 570 dwellings per annum to 817 dwelling per annum, and fails to take local constraints and circumstances into consideration.

    • The council disagrees with proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework that would remove reference to the standard method housing need outcomes being an ‘advisory starting point’.

    • The council disagrees with proposed changes that would remove the ability for planning authorities to fix their five-year housing land supply where they have an up-to-date plan in place, which is an incentive for local planning authorities to adopt an up-to-date and evidenced Local Plan and provides certainty to their local communities.

    • The council disagrees with proposed changes that support development of previously developed land in the Green Belt, and the proposed introduction of a definition of ‘Grey Belt land’. It is believed these and associated changes to national policy would result in harm to the Green Belt. In addition, the definition would, if implemented, increase the number of planning appeals, resulting in significant time and cost spent by local authorities debating whether a site or area land meets the definition of ‘Grey Belt’.

    • The council disagrees with potential changes setting out when the Government can intervene in plan making, on the basis that intervention undermines local democracy and should be a last resort.

    • The council disagrees with proposed transitional arrangements for plan making which, if implemented, would mean that the Epsom & Ewell Local Plan would be examined against the next iteration of the NPPF (following its publication) as opposed to the current NPPF published in December 2023.

The council agrees with proposals that green belt sites approved for development through planning applications, or to be released through the local plan process, should deliver 50% affordable housing. It also agrees with proposals to provide greater flexibility for local authorities to secure the types of affordable housing needed in the borough, such as social rented housing. Finally, the council supports proposed changes to increase the planning fees that local authorities can charge for householder developments.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy CommitteeCouncillor Peter O’Donovan, chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said: “Epsom and Ewell is the smallest and most densely populated borough in Surrey, occupying just 13 square miles, with 42% categorised as greenbelt.

We know that our borough needs all types of housing, including social and affordable housing. We will continue to progress our Local Plan based on the existing National Planning Policy Framework. The aim of the plan is to create jobs, support businesses, determine where new homes should be built, and secure much needed infrastructure improvements and leisure development – as well as protecting our environment.

We sincerely hope that our response is seriously considered by the Government, and that our recommendations are reflected in any future reforms made to the National Planning Policy Framework.”

A collective response on behalf of Councils in Surrey has also been prepared, coordinated by the Surrey Planning Officers Group.

Find out more about the Government’s Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system here: Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Find out more about the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Local Plan here: Local Plan FAQs | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (epsom-ewell.gov.uk)

 

Mole Valley Submits Application for Banking Hub

Mole Valley District Council Submits Application for Banking Hub Following Updated LINK Process

Since July 2022, Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) has been advocating for banking hubs to replace closed bank branches in the district. The updated LINK process allowed MVDC to submit a new application to assess the suitability of banking hubs in areas where Nationwide is the last remaining branch.

MVDC is progressing its efforts to secure a banking hub for local communities after being invited by LINK to submit a new application under their updated process. This follows the closure of multiple bank branches, leaving many residents and small businesses without adequate banking services.

Banking hubs offer shared spaces where customers of all major banks can access essential banking services, including cash withdrawals, deposits, and bill payments, providing a much-needed solution in communities affected by branch closures.

The updated LINK process, effective from 19 September 2024, now allows for the assessment of banking hub suitability in areas where Nationwide is the last branch in town. This is a significant development for Mole Valley, particularly for towns like Dorking and Leatherhead, where access to banking services has been heavily impacted.

Councillor Stephen Cooksey, the Leader of MVDC said: ‘We know how vital access to banking services is for our residents and small businesses, especially considering the recent branch closures. Securing a banking hub would provide a much-needed solution, ensuring that our community can continue to access essential financial services. We’re encouraged by LINK’s updated process and hopeful that this application will help bring banking hubs to Dorking and Leatherhead. We will continue to work closely with LINK to ensure the best possible outcome for our residents. I’ve also asked our MPs, Chris Coghlan and Helen Maguire for support with this important matter, impacting our community.’

‘You can find more information about what we have done to date on Mole Valley for Business website.’

Draft Local Plan to be Considered for Adoption in October

Councillor Margaret CookseyCouncillor Maragret Cooksey, Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC) Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “We have today heard back from the Planning Inspector who has confirmed that the Mole Valley draft Local Plan has been found legally compliant and sound in terms of the Government’s requirements. It will now be decided by Members at a Council meeting on 15 October 2024 whether to adopt the Local Plan.

“It is important to acknowledge the vital part our local communities played in the development of this draft over the various consultation stages carried out. In the Inspector’s report available on the Future Mole Valley website*, we have been told that, subject to the recommended changes set out, Mole Valley’s Local Plan can be used for shaping development in the district until 2039 and as the basis for deciding all planning applications.

“MVDC has been commended – and I would like to take the opportunity to thank every officer involved in developing the draft Plan for their hard work and dedication – for its plan making, with the Inspector commenting that the Plan was evidence-based and its methodology robust, logical, extensive and detailed. She added that in reaching its housing target of 336 new homes per year, MVDC had “balanced local housing need with anticipated supply and the district’s constraints. Only 0.65% of the existing Green Belt in the district has been identified to be released for future development.”

The benefits of the new Local Plan are:

    1. a) More affordable housing, 40% for most larger sites, including truly affordable housing
    2. b) Stronger policies for the design of new buildings and ensuring it blends with the local character
    3. c) Over 230 new Locally Listed Buildings
    4. d) Over 27 parks and open spaces given extra strong protection
    5. e) Zero Carbon Homes for all new large housing developments
    6. f) Electric Vehicle Charging Points at one socket per new home
    7. g) Biodiversity replacement + 20% to compensate for new development
    8. h) Additional temporary bulge school classes as required
    9. i) New or expanded primary care
    10. j) New publicly accessible open space
    11. k) New children’s play space
    12. l) New early years’ facilities
    13. m) Refreshed and new community hubs
    14. n) Transport improvements
    15. o) Flood mitigation measures
    16. p) Water capacity improvements
    17. q) Wastewater network improvements
    18. r) New Gypsy and Traveller pitches
    19. s) Protection for shopping centres

The Inspector’s main recommended changes are:

    1. a) A change to the plan period (from 2037 to 2039) with a consequent change in the housing target from 353 new homes per year to 336 new homes per year
    2. b) A requirement to review the plan after three years
    3. c) Changes to the climate change policies to reflect changes in national and county policy, such as including the requirement for developments to be zero carbon ready and updating the electric vehicle charging point requirements
    4. d) Changes to the heritage policy, transport policy and flood policy to bring them into line with national policy
    5. e) The introduction of potential alternative locations for primary care in Ashtead, Dorking and Leatherhead
    6. f) A revised site boundary for the Land North West of Preston Farm allocation
    7. g) The need for the storey heights at Bull Hill and the Swan Centre in Leatherhead to be justified by a taller buildings study
    8. h) The deletion of the Sorting Office and Telephone Exchange and Land at Clare Crescent, both in Leatherhead, as they are not deliverable

“All being well next month the Plan will be adopted, but we are only too aware that our work does not stop there. The new Government is currently consulting on a new national planning policy and, with immediate effect, we need to review the Plan and shift to a housing target of building 757 homes per year. MVDC will start compiling evidence as to whether this target can be achieved and will report, as the Inspector requests, in three years.”

* To the general Examination Documents page: Examination Documents – Future Mole Valley

Epsom burglar sentenced to 2 years in prison

A prolific Epsom burglar has been jailed for just over two years after pleading guilty at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, 13 September. 

Epsom burglar sentenced to two years in prisonLuke Andrews, 27, (dob 26/02/1997) of Pelman Way in Epsom, was sentenced for a burglary at Epsom Nursery and Primary School where he stole a number of iPads and a burglary at an address in Epsom where he helped himself to jewellery, watches, sunglasses and electronic goods.

The two offences took place in July of this year, and thanks to a thorough investigation including trawling through masses of CCTV and the fact he was wearing very distinctive clothing at the time, Andrews was swiftly identified as the suspect.

Andrews, who was out on license at the time for unrelated offences, was arrested at his probation appointment and upon searching him and his home address, officers managed to uncover a number of the items that had been stolen from the two locations.

At court, Andrews was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

PC Joseph Brown, who investigated the case, said; “Luke Andrews is a prolific offender who has no regard for the property of other people or how his actions may affect them. Burglary is an extremely intrusive offence and can leave you feeling unsafe in your own home. Fortunately, we were able to quickly identify Andrews as the perpetrator, which subsequently led to us being able to reunite the victims with property that otherwise would likely have been lost.

“I hope the victims will find comfort in knowing that he will now spend the next few years in prison for his crimes.”

 

Dealer stuffed drugs into underwear gets more than two years

A man who stuffed Class A drugs into his underwear in a bid to evade police has been sentenced to more than two years in prison. 

Dealer who stuffed Class A drugs into underwear jailed for more than two yearsTsvetomir Galabov, 24, was arrested last month following proactive patrols in Epsom. The patrols came following reports of a suspicious vehicle and the description of two male occupants, as well as concerns from local residents on the distribution of drugs.

PC Evans-Jones and PC Delaney identified the vehicle of interest on the evening of August 8 and approached and spoke to its occupants. Galabov, alongside an accomplice, could not provide any reasoning for them being in Epsom, nor could they confirm if they had any local friends or acquaintances.

Because of the previous reports from the public, partnered with the pair’s attitude and demeanour, officers executed a search of the vehicle and its occupants. While searching the vehicle, a bag was identified which contained a large amount of cash, as well as a mobile phone that continued to ring.

Upon searching, Galabov was found to have multiple wraps of a suspected Class A drug within his boxer shorts.

Tsvetomir Galabov, 24, (DOB: 17/09/2000), of no fixed address, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs at Guildford Crown Court on 12 September. He also received points on his licence for driving with no insurance.

A 23-year-old man was also released under police caution.

Investigating officer, PC Bethan Evans-Jones, said: “This outcome is a testament to our zero-tolerance approach to Class A drugs in Epsom. We hope this result serves as a warning that drug dealing is not tolerated in our community.

“Thanks is also given to our local residents, whose reports of concerns allow us to direct our patrols and ensure areas of interest are always investigated.”

 
 

Changing Places Toilets Officially Opened

On Tuesday 3 September 2024 Councillor Elizabeth Daly, Chair of Mole Valley District Council(MVDC), formally opened Mole Valley’s two new Changing Places Toilets (CPTs), located in the Swan Centre in Leatherhead and St Martin’s Walk car park in Dorking.

CPTs are used by up to 250,000 people in the UK, to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities that others take for granted. CPTs offer safety, hygiene and comfort, as well as space and appropriate equipment, for example a height adjustable changing bench, peninsular toilet and a celling hoist.

MVDC successfully applied for funding from the UK Government to enable the installations to take place, in response to a nationwide Changing Places campaign for such facilities to be installed in public venues. Thanks go to AM Noon and SHW Crawley for their help in completing the installations.

The Leatherhead CPT, located on the ground floor of the Swan Centre next to the main entrance of Sainsbury’s, is open daily from 07:00-18:00 (a RADAR key can be obtained from the Swan Centre management team on 01372 376358). The Dorking CPT, located in the building on the upper level of St Martin’s Walk car park, is open daily from 08:30-17:00 – users will need their own RADAR key. Further details can be found on the Changing Places website.

Cllr Daly was joined at the opening ceremonies by Cllr Paul Kennedy, MVDC Member for Internal Services and Security (with responsibility for equalities), Cllr Elsie Rosam, MVDC Member Equalities Champion (Disabled People), as well as representatives from local charities The Grange Centre, the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People and ALDAG (Always Learning Developing And Growing).

Changing Places Toilets officially opened in Dorking and Leatherhead
Cllr Daly & Cllr Kennedy

 

Cllr Paul Kennedy, MVDC Cabinet Member for Internal Services and Security (with responsibility for equalities), said: “The new Changing Places Toilets will allow some of our most vulnerable and in-need residents to visit, shop and socialise in Dorking and Leatherhead, confident in the knowledge that they can use a toilet facility with dignity and comfort. This will allow families to plan days out without the worry of having to cut the trip short.

We are committed to supporting our residents and communities to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives and have over the past year supported the development of Access Able guides to Dorking and Leatherhead. When renovated and reopened in 2016, our Meadowbank Park playground was the first Plan Inclusive Play Area (PiPA) in Surrey, allowing children with a wide range of abilities to enjoy the playground.”

Karen Deacon, QEF’s Chief Executive, said: “QEF is a disability charity based just outside Leatherhead and we are committed to enabling disabled children and adults to achieve their potential, so each person can live as independently as possible. Accessible facilities and changing facilities in particular are an important part of maintaining a person’s dignity and enabling independence. It is great to see these facilities available to disabled people living and visiting Leatherhead.”

Alison Keeley, CEO of The Grange Centre, said: “I was delighted to be invited to the opening ceremony for the Changing Places Toilet in the Swan Centre in Leatherhead on September 3rd 2024. Changing Places Toilets mean that those whose mobility is limited are able to use a toilet when they are visiting somewhere outside their home. The Grange Centre is pleased that Leatherhead now has a Changing Places Toilet in the town centre.”

Hazel Gibson, Trustee for ALDAG, said: “The changing places toilet will be such an asset to Dorking. A new well equipped, spacious toilet for the less mobile disabled person.”

Changing Places Toilets officially opened in Dorking and Leatherhead
Cllr Kennedy, Hazel Gibson (ALDAG) & Cllr Daly

Wedding Dress Returns To The Grange

The Grange Centre received an extraordinary request from a member of the public who wanted to donate their wedding dress to The Grange.

On 18th May 1957, Patricia Kirk (née Abnett) married, at Christ Church, Southgate in North London,in a dress crafted by students of the then School of Stitchery and Lace, now The Grange Centre. At 95 years old and widowed, Mrs. Kirk’s dearest wish was to return her dress to its place of origin.

wedding dress returns to The GrangeOn Tuesday 13th August Mrs Kirk, with her son Nigel, visited The Grange Heritage Room, where her cherished gown will now go on display thanks to Mrs Kirk’s wonderful donation.

On hand to receive the dress was Jo one of the people the charity supports. Nigel Kirk, her son,said “Mum has always been immensely proud of the dress and the superb skill and workmanship that went into making it. She still remembers going to John Lewis in Oxford Street in London to purchase the material. This is something Mum feels strongly about completing, and she’s keen to make the journey to hand over the dress personally.”

wedding dress returns to The Grange

The School of Stitchery and Lace was renowned for creating wedding dresses, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as garments for the Royal Family; it is fitting that such a fine example will now reside in their Heritage Room. Apart from photos, this is the first time a wedding dress will be on display at The Grange

Katharine Kemp, Heritage Advisor at The Grange said “This addition to our collection not only preserves a piece of our charity’s history but also honours the skill and dedication of our past students.”

wedding dress returns to The Grange

You will be able to see the wedding dress and other items at The Grange Heritage Open Day on Friday 13th September. Do not miss this opportunity to explore the house and grounds, and discover how it has evolved from farm shacks to country house, to The School of Stitchery and Lace and today’s home for people with disabilities.

Walk and Talk Tours, lasting 45 mins will take place at 10am; 11am; 1.30pm and 2.30pm. For more details visit https://www.grangecentre.org.uk/events/

wedding dress returns to The Grange

Shoplifting and Hate Crime Added to Community Priorities

Mole Valley District Council works alongside a number of other public bodies – including Surrey Police, Surrey County Council and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service – to tackle neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour through the Mole Valley Community Safety Partnership. The partnership has agreed an action plan and priorities for 2024/25, focused on making the district a safer place to live, work and visit. With Shoplifting and Hate Crime added to the Community Priorities 

The Mole Valley Community Safety Partnership (MVCSP) annually reviews and agrees an action plan and priorities to focus on, informed by analysing crime trends and statistics recorded in the district the year before. The priorities for 2024/25 have been published and will provide a framework for a partnership focus this year. The MVCSP will, later this year, be inviting people who live and work in the district to help shape next year’s priorities and action plan during a public consultation.

The primary objectives behind this year’s priorities and action plan are to:

      • reduce the risk to victims and children from domestic abuse
      • increase a sense of safety in town centres and both residential and rural locations
      • provide positive activities for teenagers to engage in

Actions include engaging with pubs and businesses to raise awareness of safeguarding campaigns and working with schools and youth groups around offending and knife crime awareness.

Other areas of crime and disorder being targeted in 2024/25 will be to reduce hate incidents, anti-social behaviour and levels of shoplifting. Actions include tackling repeat and vulnerable shoplifting locations, providing an enhanced hate crime victim service and increased intelligence around fly-tipping hotspots.

Mole Valley District Commander Inspector, James Green, said: “The current priorities set by the Mole Valley Community Safety Partnership reflect the issues that are most important and impactful on the local community. A joint approach by Surrey Police and our partners is essential in solving these issues. Through the identification of these issues and the joint working in tackling them, together we can make Mole Valley a safer place to live. The proposed move of East Surrey headquarters to Leatherhead will provide an increased police presence in the Mole Valley area, which we know is important to residents.”

Councillor Paul Kennedy, MVDC’s Cabinet Member for Internal Services and Security, said: “The vital work carried out by all partners involved in the MVCSP is underpinned by a broader Surrey-wide approach to reducing crime and disorder under the Surrey Community Safety Agreement. The MVCSP localises this wider approach and targets issues more prevalent in Mole Valley. MVDC’s Joint Enforcement Team (JET) does excellent work helping to prevent, and responding to reports of, anti-social behaviour and environmental crime, such as fly-tips. You can report instances of anti-social behaviour via our website, in addition to being signposted to the Police to when reporting other serious crimes.”

Helen Maguire MP Seeks Change To Gun Laws

Helen Maguire MP seeks change to gun licencing laws following deaths at Epsom College. Epsom & Ewell MP Helen Maguire has written to both the Home and Health Secretaries seeking changes to gun licencing laws.

The move follows a coroner’s report which highlighted two loopholes in the  licencing laws following the tragic deaths of Emma and seven-year-old daughter Ellette Pattison, at Epsom College in February 2023, at the hands of Emma’s husband George.

The coroner highlighted that George Pattison had a history of coercive behaviour and was able to secure medications on-line without reference to his primary GP.

Maguire has written to the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper arguing that any history of coercive behaviour needed to be fully disclosed to, and considered by, the gun licencing authorities during the application and renewal process.

She has also pressed Health Minister Wes Streeting to close the loophole which led George Pattison to obtain medication following an on-line consultation without it being reported to his primary GP whose role is to report concerns to the gun licencing authority.

Maguire encouraged the minsters to work closely together on the issues and said in her letter to the Home Secretary,

“The devastating loss of Emma and Ellette Pattison underscores the urgent need to close any loopholes in the current system that could endanger public safety. I trust that you will give these matters the serious consideration they deserve and look forward to your response.”