Month: October 2026

Epsom & Ewell Council Consultation on Local Plan Modifications

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council agrees consultation on Local Plan Main Modifications

At a meeting of Full Council on Monday 26th October 2026, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) agreed to proceed with a public consultation on proposed Main Modifications to the borough’s Local Plan (2022-2040). The changes, which include additional site allocations identified through the examination process, have been requested by the government-appointed Planning Inspector to make the plan sound. The six-week consultation is scheduled to begin on or around Monday 2 November 2026.

EEBC submitted its Local Plan for independent examination on 10 March 2025. Hearings took place between August and October 2025, when most of the proposed changes (modifications) to policies within the Local Plan were discussed, and again in July 2026. The Planning Inspector has asked the council to consult on a schedule of proposed main modifications to the submitted Local Plan. The proposed modifications range from minor changes to policy wording to the inclusion of additional site allocations in the urban area and on land proposed to be removed from the Green Belt. There are also some proposed changes to the policy relating to the racecourse and racehorse training industry.

The EEBC Licensing and Planning Policy Committee (LPPC) recommended in September that the consultation should go ahead.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee Epsom and EwellSpeaking of the upcoming consultation, Councillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of LPPC, said:

“The Planning Inspector has identified changes that are necessary to our Local Plan to ensure it is sound, which is essential for it to be adopted.

“An up-to-date Local Plan will help protect Epsom and Ewell from speculative development in locations that may not be sustainable. If it is adopted, the Local Plan would help protect the character, heritage and green spaces that residents value, ensuring new development is planned strategically.

“The plan would also support the delivery of new homes, including affordable homes. With more than 1,450 households on the borough’s housing waiting list and over 260 Epsom and Ewell households living in temporary accommodation, providing homes remains a priority for the council.

“However, the Local Plan is about more than housing. It includes policies to secure high-quality design, deliver high environmental standards and guide development across the borough’s towns and local centres, supporting employment opportunities and business growth across the borough.

“I encourage anyone with an interest in the future of our borough to take part in the consultation.”

Consultation documents, along with instructions on how to comment, will be available on the council’s planning policy consultation platform. Printed copies will also be available for inspection in local libraries and at Epsom Town Hall during opening hours.

All comments received during the consultation will be submitted to the Planning Inspector.

The Inspectors final examination report will include a schedule of changes required for the Local Plan to be adopted and this will conclude the Local Plan examination. Councillors will then be invited to make a final decision at a future Full Council meeting whether to approve the Epsom and Ewell Local Plan (2022-2040) as modified by the Planning Inspector.

Jog On campaign tackles harassment of female runners

Surrey Police has relaunched its Jog On campaign after recording more than 100 incidents of sex-based harassment since new legislation came into force in April of this year. 

The campaign forms part of the Force’s ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG), improving feelings of safety in public spaces and ensuring women can exercise without fear of intimidation or abuse. 

Since 1 April, we have recorded 105 incidents under Section 4B of the Public Order Act 1986, which introduced an offence of using threatening behaviour, language or graphics to cause intentional harassment, alarm or distress on account of sex. The reports are helping officers build a picture of offending across the county, identify potential hotspots and inform targeted activity to challenge behaviour and prevent further offending.  

The new offence strengthens the law and the powers available to police, now carrying a maximum of two years’ imprisonment on conviction.  

Surrey Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to harassment directed at women and girls. Behaviour that may be dismissed as minor or ‘just banter’ can have a significant impact on those targeted, and it is important that inappropriate behaviour is challenged before it continues, repeats or escalates. 

Building on the work launched in 2025, phase two of Jog On will continue to see officers take a proactive approach to identifying and challenging inappropriate behaviour towards women and girls running in public spaces, alongside engagement with local running clubs and communities to better understand their experiences. 

Tactics have been developed and shaped from our already established work combatting VAWG within the night-time economy, which sees plain clothed female officers working alongside uniformed colleagues to identify predatory behaviour in bars, clubs and town centres, and intervene early on. Jog On uses the same approach and involves plain clothed female police officers going out jogging in key locations. If they are subject to harassment, there are support crews on hand nearby to assist and deal with perpetrators. 

These operations can take place at any time of day and are designed to be varied and unpredictable. 

Of the 105 incidents recorded between April and October 2026, 17 remain under investigation and two cases have resulted in a charge under the recorded offence, one further case resulting in a charge for an alternative offence and four cases being dealt with through community resolution.  

Every report of an incident allows officers to build intelligence, identify patterns and assess the appropriate action to take.  

T/Inspector Nicola West, one of the Force leads for the operation in West Surrey, said: “No woman or girl should feel intimidated, harassed or unsafe simply because she has chosen to go for a run.  

“Jog On is about taking a proactive approach to this behaviour, challenging those responsible and making clear that harassment is not something anyone should have to accept as part of their everyday life.  

“We want women and girls to feel confident reporting what has happened to them. Every report gives us an opportunity to better understand experiences, identify patterns and inform our approach to how we can respond and tackle offending.  

“The introduction of the new legislation provides an important opportunity to reinforce that intentional sex-based harassment can have serious consequences and we will take robust action where offences are identified. 

“Alongside our operational activity, we are listening and working with local running clubs to understand their experiences and ensure our activity is informed by the places and the people affected.”  

Harassment, intimidation and abusive behaviour directed at women are not harmless or simply “banter”. Such behaviour can affect women’s confidence and their freedom to use public spaces, and we are committed to challenging offending and preventing it from continuing or escalating.  

We encourage anyone who experiences harassment or witnesses an incident to report it to us online via our website or by calling 101. Always call 999 in emergency.  

Anyone who feels unsafe in a public space can also use StreetSafe to anonymously report locations where they have felt unsafe. This information helps police and partners identify potential problem areas and inform work to improve public safety.  

Jog On is an initiative that forms part of a force-wide priority to tackling violence against women and girls in Surrey. A focus on this crime type is embedded as part of Our Plan and neighbourhood teams build this into their local policing approach, through enforcement and engagement activity.  With every crime report we receive, we’re committed to delivering a victim-centred approach and engage with local partners to ensure accessible specialist support for those affected. Proactively identifying and targeting perpetrators is key, whether through standalone operations or managing high-harm perpetrators alongside other agencies. 

Chinthurst School Celebrates New Creative Arts Building

Chinthurst School in Tadworth has officially opened The Nugent Creative Arts Building, marking an exciting milestone in the school’s commitment to inspiring creativity, imagination and artistic expression among its pupils.

The purpose-built facility was unveiled at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday 12 October. The event brought together members of the school community and special guests, including generous donors whose support helped make the project possible; Mr Fenton, Executive Headteacher of Reigate Grammar School; Councillor George Curry, representing the Tadworth, Walton and Kingswood ward; representatives from the RGS Foundation; members of the Chinthurst Parents’ Association (CPA); and staff from both Chinthurst and Reigate Grammar School, alongside Chinthurst Upper School pupils.

The new building represents a significant investment in the school’s creative arts provision, providing pupils with inspiring, flexible spaces in which to explore their talents, develop new skills and bring their ideas to life.

Chinthurst School Celebrates Opening of New Creative Arts BuildingBuilt on the site of the school’s former art room, which was demolished to make way for the development, The Nugent Creative Arts Building features two spacious, purpose-designed learning areas. The first is a dedicated creative studio for art, cookery and design and technology, while the second provides a large drama studio and performance space, complete with a stage. The drama studio can also be divided into smaller areas, offering greater flexibility for lessons, rehearsals and group activities.

The development has been made possible through continued investment from the RGS family of schools, alongside a generous donation from the Nugent family, whose support has played an important role in bringing the project to life.

Cathy Trundle, Headteacher at Chinthurst School, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to officially open The Nugent Creative Arts Building. Creativity is such an important part of life at Chinthurst, and having these wonderful new facilities will give our children even more opportunities to explore their interests, develop their confidence and discover talents they may not yet know they have.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Nugent family, the RGS family of schools and everyone who has supported this project. Their generosity and commitment have helped create something truly special for our pupils, both now and for generations to come. We look forward to seeing the creativity, imagination and performances that will flourish within these walls.”

The official opening was a wonderful opportunity for the school community, supporters and special guests to celebrate the completion of the project. The Nugent Creative Arts Building will now become a vibrant hub for creativity, collaboration and performance, enriching school life and inspiring generations of Chinthurst pupils to come.

About Chinthurst School & Nursery

Chinthurst School & Nursery is a leading independent school for children aged 2 to 11, set within beautiful woodland grounds in Tadworth, Surrey. Part of the Reigate Grammar School family, Chinthurst combines strong academic foundations with a nurturing environment and a rich curriculum, including specialist teaching in languages, computing, sport and the creative arts. With a focus on developing confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning, the school encourages every child to discover their strengths and flourish.

Visit Chinthurst School & Nursery

Prospective families are warmly invited to discover Chinthurst through a personal tour. To arrange a visit, please visit:

https://www.chinthurstschool.co.uk/admissions/visit-us

Illegal E-bikes and E-scooters to be Seized

Illegal e-bikes and e-scooters to be seized and destroyed as part of new operation

The fight against the illegal and nuisance use of e-bikes and e-scooters has stepped up a gear with the launch of a new operation this week in Surrey.

Officers from Surrey Police’s Roads Policing Unit, alongside borough-based Safer Neighbourhood Teams, will be out across the county stopping reckless, antisocial and illegal riders as part of our crackdown, Operation Scramble.

E-bikes and e-scooters pose a significant threat to innocent motorists and pedestrians when used illegally or irresponsibly. Through the rollout of new patrols, we will use all the powers and tactics available to our highly trained officers to pursue offenders.

From next month, this includes the power to destroy all illegal e-bikes and e-scooters seized by officers.

Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett, head of Surrey Police and Sussex Police’s operations and protective security command, said: “The illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters is a growing problem in Surrey, and we will tirelessly pursue riders who are causing fear and nuisance in our county.

“Many of the reports of illegal e-bikes relate to criminal activity. However, the bottom line is e-scooters are illegal to use in public– unless through an authorised rental scheme of which there are none in Surrey – and e-bikes must meet strict legal requirements.

“Where we have been able to identify riders, just over a third (36 per cent) were teenagers or children, putting themselves and others in serious danger. This is a real concern for us, and while we will look to enforce legislation where necessary, it all starts with education and engagement.”

The force has seized 136 e-bikes and e-scooters so far in 2026, up from 127 in total in 2025. Since October 2025, there have been two collisions leading to serious injury in the county involving e-scooters, and three road traffic accidents involving e-bikes.

Chief Superintendent Barnett added: “From next month our policy is clear: all illegal e-bikes and e-scooters we seize will be sent for destruction.

“I hope this provides direct reassurance to Surrey residents that we are listening to your concerns around illegal and reckless riding and taking decisive action.”

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “During our Policing Your Community roadshow over the summer, one of the issues that residents raised time and time again was the scourge of illegal e-scooters and e-bikes in our communities.

“They told us loud and clear they have had enough and we have listened to those concerns. The result is this operation which aims to crackdown on illegal riding and take these often-dangerous machines off our streets for good.

“We know that their use can often be linked to wider criminal activity and the message is clear – we want to make Surrey an illegal e-bike and e-scooter free county.”

What the law says about electrically assisted pedal cycles and electric scooters:

An electric bike:

      • must have pedals that you can use to propel it
      • must have an electric motor that can run continuously at a maximum power of no more than 250 watts
      • must have no electrical assistance once you reach 15.5 miles per hour (mph)

If an e-bike fails to meet any of these requirements it needs to be taxed and insured as either a motorcycle or a moped.

It’s not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters. This means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.

Find out more here: What you need to know: electric bikes | Surrey Police

Local College welcomes Lord-Lieutenant

Tradition meets technology, trades and talent as local college welcomes Lord-Lieutenant
 
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Neelam Dharni Devesher MBE, and a large delegation of Deputy Lieutenants explored everything from hair & beauty to bricklaying, robotics to racing cars during a visit to Nescot in Epsom yesterday. Young people took centre stage as the Lord-Lieutenant and community leaders sought the views of students and learned about the wide range of training and education opportunities available locally.
 
The Lord-Lieutenant, a role which dates back to the 1540s, got a taste of a very modern education at Nescot. During the visit she experienced the college’s state-of-the-art immersive classroom, toured the Institute of Technology and received her visitor’s pass from a robot. Performing arts students entertained, the motorsport team showed off their vehicle and the catering students prepared the food. Public services students from the college paraded and took part in in a flag raising ceremony.
 
The group was hosted by Nescot’s leadership team including CEO and Principal, Julie Kapsalis MBE. Mrs Devesher was accompanied by a delegation of 25 experienced volunteers from a variety of industries and sectors, including many Deputy Lieutenants from across Surrey. The unusually large Lieutenancy delegation reflected the importance being placed on engaging with young people. With representatives able to spread out across the campus, the group gained an insight into many curriculum areas and met students from across the college.
 
A key priority for Mrs Devesher’s Lieutenancy is listening to young people across Surrey, and ensuring their voices are heard at county level. As part of this work, learners took part in a panel discussion, “Being a Youth in Surrey”, where they shared their experiences, challenges and aspirations. Their views will help shape the Lord-Lieutenant’s work during her term of office.
 
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Neelam Dharni Devesher MBE, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is meeting young people and hearing directly about their lives, ambitions and experiences. I was hugely impressed by the students at Nescot, whose enthusiasm, talent and aspiration was evident throughout. The visit gave us the chance to listen to what matters to young people today and to understand how we can help reflect that in the work we do across Surrey.”
 

A wide range of ideas and issues were raised on the day. One student shared his concerns with the group about the cost of living and transport options locally: “It’s really important for young people to have opportunities to speak up like this about the things that affect us. Transport is a big issue for me. Getting to college can be expensive and it isn’t always easy to get around Surrey using public transport. The cost of living is another concern, because when you’re studying, everyday things like travelling to college and getting a good meal can really add up.”

Julie Kapsalis MBE, Principal and CEO at Nescot said: “It was an honour to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant and her delegation to Nescot. With such a large group, we got to showcase the extraordinary breadth of learning that takes place across our campus, from advanced technology and construction trades to performing arts, hospitality and childcare. Most importantly, it gave our students the chance to share their views and experiences directly with civic leaders. We are incredibly proud of our students, and we jump at the chance of amplifying their voices by working in partnership like this.”

local college welcomes Lord-Lieutenant
Nescot offers a wide range of courses for school leavers and adults, including Motor Vehicle, Animal Care, Hair & Beauty, Computing and IT, Performing Arts, Childcare and Health & Social Care. To find out more about studying at Nescot call 020 8394 3038, visit www.nescot.ac.uk or email [email protected]

Epsom & Ewell prepares to mark its 90th anniversary

Residents invited to share memories as Epsom & Ewell prepares to mark its 90th anniversary

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is inviting residents to share photographs, memories, and stories from the past 90 years as part of celebrations to mark the borough’s 90th anniversary.

Next year will be a significant milestone for the community. Not only will it mark 90 years since the creation of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council in 1937, but it will also be the year that local government reorganisation sees the formation of East Surrey Council.

To commemorate the end of this historic chapter, the council is developing a programme of events and activities that will celebrate the borough’s rich heritage, achievements and community spirit. As part of this work, residents are being encouraged to contribute photographs and personal stories that capture life in Epsom & Ewell across the decades.

These contributions will help create a lasting record of the borough’s social history, preserving memories of local people, places, events and everyday life for future generations.

Residents can submit photographs, memories and stories by emailing [email protected].

surrey Epsom EwellCouncillor Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:

“As we approach this important milestone, we want to celebrate the people, places and moments that have shaped Epsom and Ewell over the last 90 years.

“We’re asking residents for photographs, memories and stories that capture life in our borough through the decades that can be shared on the council’s social media channels and archived at Bourne Hall Museum. Whether it’s a family photograph, memories of a community event, or stories of how Epsom & Ewell has changed over the years, every contribution will help tell the story of our area and preserve it for future generations.

“As we prepare for the transition to East Surrey Council, this is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and create a lasting legacy that honours everything that makes Epsom & Ewell such a special place. We would love to hear from residents and see the memories they can share.”