Category: News

Jim Allen New Manager at Epsom Downs

The Jockey Club today announces that Jim Allen has been appointed General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse.

An alumni of the BHA Graduate Scheme in 1997, Allen brings a wealth of experience to the role. His early career involved the successful management of two UK racecourses, Huntingdon and Sedgefield, before serving as Racing Director at Arena Racing Company (ARC) between 2006 and 2015. In this role he oversaw the operational running of more than 500 fixtures a year and his accomplishments included the innovation of the All-Weather Championships, the introduction of the new Tapeta racing surface at Newcastle and Wolverhampton racecourses and launch of sectional timing at all ARC tracks.

Allen went on to train racehorses across the US and in France between 2016 and 2022, before joining Tapeta Footings as its Operations Director in 2023 to create new racing surfaces at Belmont Park (New York), Margaux Farm (Kentucky) and Santa Anita (California).

He returned to the UK this year to take up the role of Operations Director at British Champions Series and will begin his new position at Epsom Downs on October 21st, after QIPCO British Champions Day has taken place.

Allen succeeds Tom Sammes, who leaves The Jockey Club at the end of this month to take up a new senior role in sport in the North West.

Epsom Downs stages 11 fixtures each year, including the world’s most famous horse race, the Betfred Derby.

Jim Allen new manager at Epsom DownsJim Allen, 51, said: “Having started my career at Huntingdon back in 1999, I’m absolutely delighted to be rejoining The Jockey Club. I also grew up in Croydon and regularly attended Epsom from the age of 13, so it’s a place that very much feels like ‘home’ to me.

“As far as I’m concerned the Betfred Derby remains the most important race to the Thoroughbred breed and the most famous in the world, so I’m proud and excited to start working with the team.

“I hope that my experience working across the industry in a range of different roles, from running racecourses to training racehorses, will give me a 360 degree perspective as we strive to ensure Epsom Downs reaches its full potential, both as a racecourse and training centre.”

Amy Starkey, Managing Director of The Jockey Club, added: “I’m thrilled to have appointed someone of Jim’s calibre to lead the team at Epsom Downs.

“It is rare to find an accomplished racecourse administrator who also has expertise in training and caring for racehorses and his CV speaks for itself. With such experience and a wide range of existing stakeholder relationships, Jim will be a tremendous asset for Epsom Downs Racecourse and our training grounds.

“I would also like to thank Tom Sammes for all his hard work in the role and for creating a transformative plan for Epsom Downs and the Betfred Derby Festival, which we hope the racecourse will benefit from greatly in the years ahead.”

Brian Finch, Chairman of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: “Jim has operated right across the racing industry and brings experience and learnings not only from roles in the UK but also the US and France.

“We are especially passionate about elevating the Betfred Derby Festival and strengthening our links with the local community and I look forward to supporting Jim and the team to bring numerous plans to life in the months and years ahead.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Tom Sammes and would like to thank him for all his hard work and commitment during his time here. All of us at Epsom Downs would like to wish him the very best for the future.”

Everyone at What’s On In My Town are looking forward to working with Jim and we wish him all the best in his new role. 

Helen Maguire MP First 100 days

100 days since her election win – Helen Maguire says the health service is “top priority”

 Epsom & Ewell MP, Helen Maguire has marked her 100th day in office with Healthcare and Hospitals in Epsom and Ewell at the top of her priority list.

Maguire has campaigned to fight for better health services with the building of a new hospital in Sutton to enable the refurbishment of Epsom and St Helier hospitals; to preserve and clean up her community’s polluted waterways, and to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. Today – just over 100 days since she won the election, Helen is making sure that the new hospital in her community remains her top priority. 

Our new MP has met with James Blythe, Managing Director at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust and attended their recent Annual Public Meeting to ensure plans to build a new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Sutton and upgraded facilities at Epsom and St Helier hospitals move forward as planned. She also now has a scheduled meeting with Health Secretary, Wes Streeting to find out more about the government’s plans.

Helen Maguire MP Epsom & EwellWhen looking back on her first 100 days, Helen Maguire said:

“We continue to campaign to ensure our new specialist hospital in Sutton is built; we continue to push Thames Water and the Environment Agency to take immediate steps to remedy the ever increasing sewage spills into the Hogsmill and River Mole and we continue to fight for better and more reliable train services for our local commuters.

“I want to meet as many people in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead to listen and understand what matters most to them. The hard work is getting started and I will do everything I can to provide real, lasting change for our area.”

Upgrades to The Ashley Centre Car Park

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council are installing a new Auto Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system at the Ashley Centre car park in Epsom town centre this month. Work will begin from 14 October and is expected to take three weeks to complete.

The ANPR system will mean that car users can drive up to the barrier and enter the car park with their registration being used for identification and payment upon exit.

The new system will remove the need for tokens and the associated charges that are incurred when they are lost. Cash and card payment options will be available on all floors, as well as the ability to pay remotely.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee, said:

“The works taking place at the Ashley Centre car park are a welcome upgrade to a more modern and convenient system. We know the tokens have been a cause of frustration to many drivers as they are small, difficult to find and easily lost (leading to penalties being issued).

“We appreciate that the necessary work may cause some inconvenience for drivers during the installation of the new ANPR System, and we apologise for this. However, we feel the upgrades will be a great improvement and make it easier and quicker for people visiting Epsom Town Centre to park.

“With Christmas just around the corner, we believe the upgrades to the car park support the ongoing work we are undertaking to boost the local economy by making Epsom Town centre a more hassle-free and therefore more attractive place to visit.”

Please visit EEBC Parking FAQs page to find parking tips: Parking FAQs | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (epsom-ewell.gov.uk)

Surrey Council Take Action To Tackle Delivery Drivers

Residents’ Association and Independents Group Councillor Steven McCormick’s Motion to tackle the problem of delivery drivers mounting and parking on the pavement was successfully passed at today’s Full Council meeting. Cllr McCormick raised the issue following the concerns raised by residents and pedestrians in High Street, Epsom, where up to 20 mopeds and cycles are frequently parked on the pavement during peak times.

The Motion highlighted the growing problem caused by mopeds and cycles collecting food from takeaway outlets and delivering to customers. While the service responds to customer demand, and supports the local economy, it can lead to inconsiderate and sometimes dangerous parking on pavements, posing dangers to pedestrians and shoppers.

Cllr McCormick’s Motion requested that Surrey County Council:

• Write to delivery companies to highlight the issue of motorcycle delivery parking on pavements, and request information regarding the training given to riders

• Request a round table with delivery companies and Surrey Police to discuss guidelines with delivery riders

• Work closely with Surrey Police, as the enforcement authority, to tackle key areas where the issue occurs, and educate drivers on appropriate behaviour

The Motion received cross party support and was carried unanimously.

Steven McCormick Surrey county councilCllr McCormick said, “This Motion is the first step in tackling the concerning rise in dangerous parking and driving caused by delivery riders. I am pleased that Surrey County Council has unanimously agreed this timely Motion and look forward to working collaboratively with all members to achieve a positive outcome.”

Also at the meeting, Residents’ Association and Independents Group Councillor Andy Macleod raised a question around the worrying rise in pavement parking, putting pressure on Surrey County Council to agree a ban similar to the measure coming into force in Swindon in the Autumn. While SCC do not have plans for a ban in place, Cabinet Member Cllr Matt Furniss agreed to write to the Department for Transport in order to ‘get this one moving’. He also advised that Surrey County Council can implement localised bans, something the RA and Independent Group will follow up at the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee.

Link to meeting papers and video: Agenda for Council on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, 10.00 am – Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)

The New Dean of Guildford

Archdeacon of Sunderland appointed as new Dean of Guildford 

On Thursday 3rd October The Venerable Robert (Bob) Cooper, Archdeacon of Sunderland has been appointed as the new Dean of Guildford, succeeding The Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams who served in the role for a decade. 

The official appointment which has been approved by The King will be followed by an installation at Guildford Cathedral on 26 January 2025.

Born and raised in Lancashire, Bob went on to study theology at the Universities of Aberystwyth and Nottingham. He has a passion for mission, church growth and social justice, having played leading roles in prison chaplaincy and as part of his local board of education.

Guildford Cathedral is the newest Cathedral in the Church of England, having been consecrated in 1961, and is the only Cathedral dedicated to the Holy Spirit. Bob Cooper will be its sixth Dean.

Despite coming from the Diocese of Durham almost 300 miles away, there are strong links in the very brickwork of Guildford Cathedral, with the Jarrow Stone plaque honouring the philanthropic efforts of Surrey in support of the town of Jarrow, Co Durham during the economic depression of the 1930s.

His appointment will be marked by a celebration event at the Cathedral for staff, dignitaries and clergy including the Bishop of Guildford Andrew Watson, head of the Diocese of Guildford which includes 156 parishes.

Bob who is married to Kate Cooper and has four children, has served as Archdeacon of Sunderland since 2018. During his time there he championed under-represented communities to address issues including urban and rural poverty. He will take on this new role as the Cathedral fast approaches its 65th anniversary and looks to the future.

Speaking of his appointment, The Venerable Robert Cooper, Dean Designate of Guildford said: “I am excited to be starting this new chapter at the Guildford Cathedral and to help grow numbers and outreach to all.

“There is a fantastic mission potential in this town and diocese, and I’d like to pay tribute to my predecessors, Dianna Gwilliams and Stuart Beake for their leadership and ministry. While Guildford may have different issues and challenges to Durham, I look forward to continuing my focus in championing those people whose voices struggle to be heard, and ensuring the word of God inspires every connection and interaction the Cathedral has with our communities.”

The Right Reverend Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford said: “We’re delighted that Bob is moving from the north-east of England to lead the life and mission of our Cathedral. Bob comes with huge experience and considerable expertise and will bring fresh energy to the Cathedral’s mission to the town, the county and the diocese. We welcome Bob, and pray his time among us is faithful, fruitful and joyful”.

Howl’o’ween at Chessington World of Adventures

Howl’o’ween at Chessington World of Adventures is set to offer spooky fun for the whole family this Autumn, with spine-tingling adventures taking place on 5th to 6th and 12th to 13th October, as well as 19th October to 3rd November 2024.

Britain’s biggest wildlife theme park is gearing up for a magical mix of Halloween fun for all ages, featuring a range of spellbinding entertainment. Highlights include the popular Enchanted Halloween Trick or Treat and a charming pumpkin patch, perfect for seasonal selfies.

Guests young and old can also experience their favourite theme park rides with an eerie twist at dusk, while little explorers are invited to participate in Halloween fancy dress competitions for a chance to show off their spookiest costumes.

The award-winning fire and special effects dance show Banyan – The Final Flame will be performed at Adventure Point, while loveable werewolf and friendly vampire bat, Wilf and Violet, will delight little ones on the Mini Stage. YouTube sensation Cocomelon’s JJ and Cody will also make appearances to celebrate the Halloween season.

For those seeking their first taste of Halloween fright, Wild Woods transforms into a scare zone playing host to the Vile Villagers who are on the hunt for new souls to join their fang-tastic club!

Families can also extend their spooky season experience with a Halloween short break at one of Chessington’s resort hotels.

Visitors will also enjoy all the experiences at Britain’s wildest adventure, including 40 rides and attractions, and the zoo with over 1,000 mammals, birds, and reptiles spread across the 128-acre resort. Iconic rides such as Vampire, Mandrill Mayhem, Tiger Rock, and River Rafts will be part of the thrilling experience.

Tickets for Howl’o’ween are available at chessington.com/Halloween, with prices starting at £35 per person, including entry to the theme park, zoo, and SEA LIFE aquarium. Those under 90cm enter for free

 

Hobble’ween at Hobbledown Epsom

Hobbledown is excited to announce its much-anticipated Hobble’ween event, which will be running for an extended period this October. 

This year’s Hobble’ween promises spooky thrills and family fun, with general admission tickets covering a wide range of Halloween activities.

Event Dates:
12th & 13th October | 19th & 20th October | 26th October – 3rd November

Included Hobble’ween activities:

  • Bug Brunch: For the daring, sample dried bugs as part of the Bug Brunch Challenge.
  • Skibbler School: Learn the ways of the mischievous Skibblers, including their secret handshake.
  • Fancy Dress Monster Ball: Show off your creepiest costumes and compete for the best-dressed award.
  • Wake the Dragon: Help Hobbledown’s characters wake up the resident dragon from its slumber.
  • Hobble’ween Costume Parade: March and dance in our spooky costume parade, with a prize for the best outfit.

And that’s on top of all the adventure play villages, role play areas, huge indoor playbarn, immersive Imaginarium and more…

In addition to these free activities, Hobbledown will also be offering an exciting Trick or Treat Challenge, a separate ticketed event for £6pp.

General Manager Lee Froud said: “We’re delighted to offer an extended Hobble’ween this year, providing more families with the chance to experience the spooky magic of Hobbledown. With new dates and exciting activities, we’re sure this will be our best Hobble’ween yet!”

Book online and more details at www.hobbledown.com/epsom

M25/A3 Junction 10 Closures

We have been informed by National Highways that for 2 weekends in October and the first weekend of November the M25/A3 junction 10 slip roads will be closed. This means you can’t join or leave the M25 at this junction.

The weekends this is happening are:

                    • 4th Oct – 7th Oct
                    • 18th Oct – 21st Oct
                    • 1st Nov – 4th Nov

There are 4, yes that’s right, 4 diversion routes will be set up over the weekends. The information below is from National Highways.

M25 travelling eastbound (towards Gatwick), to continue north or south on the A3.

  • leave the M25 at Junction 11
  • follow the A320 towards the Six Crossroads roundabout Junction with the A245  Woking, (approximately 3.6 miles)
  • take the A245 to Sheerwater, West Byfleet and Byfleet (approximately 5.7 miles) to join the A3 north or south at the Painshill Junction.

    M25/A3 Junction 10 diversion map M25 travelling westbound (towards Heathrow), to continue north on the A3
    • leave the M25 at junction 9
    • follow the A243 towards Malden Rushett and Chessington (Approximately 5.3 miles)
    • at the Hook Junction turn left onto the A309 Kingston Bypass and continue to the Scilly Isles Junction with the A307 (approximately 2.1 miles)
    • then take first exit to the A307 towards Esher and Cobham to the Between Streets Junction (approximately 4.5 miles)
    • at the junction of the A307 Portsmouth Road take the second exit to the A245 and head towards Painshill Junction and join the A3 north (approximately 0.6 miles)

    M25/A3 Junction 10 diversion mapM25 travelling westbound (towards Heathrow), to continue south on the A3

    • leave at junction 9 taking the first exit and follow the A24 Leatherhead Bypass south to the Givons Grove junction with the A246 (approximately 3.6 miles).
    • at the Givons Grove roundabout junction with the A246 take the second exit to the A246 Leatherhead Road toward Guildford to the Clandon Crossroads (approximately 8.5 miles)
    • at the Clandon Crossroads take the right turn to the A247 Clandon Road and then access the A3 South at the Send Junction (approximately 2.1 miles)

    M25/A3 Junction 10 diversion mapA3 travelling southbound (towards Guildford), to continue west on M25

    • leave the A3 at the Painshill junction and follow the A245 through Byfleet, West Byfleet and Sheerwater towards the Six Crossroads Roundabout junction with the A320 Woking (approximately 5.7 miles)
    • Take the fifth exit to the A320 which will take you to Junction 11 of the M25 (Approximately 3.6 miles)

    M25/A3 Junction 10 diversion mapA3 travelling southbound (towards Guildford), to continue east on M25

    • leave the A3 at the Painshill junction and follow the A245 towards Painshill to the Between Streets junction with the A307 (approximately 0.6 miles)
    • take the first exit to the A307 towards Esher to the Scilly Isles Junction with the A309 Kingston Bypass (approximately 4.5 miles)
    • take the  second exit onto the A309 Kingston Bypass up to the A3 Hook Junction (approximately 2.1 miles)
    • at the Hook Junction take the second exit to the A243 towards Hook and Malden Rushett and Join the M25 at Junction 9 (approximately 5.3 miles)

    M25/A3 Junction 10 diversion mapA3 travelling north (towards London), to continue east on M25

    • leave the A3 at Send onto the B2215, at the roundabout take the third exit to the A247 through West Clandon and to the Clandon Crossroads junction with the A246 (approximately 2.4 miles)
    • turn left to the A3246 towards Leatherhead and continue to the Givons Grove roundabout junction with the A24 Leatherhead Bypass (approximately 8.5 miles)
    • then take the second exit to the A24 Leatherhead bypass and continue to the roundabout junction with the A24 taking the second exit to the 243 (approximately 1.6 miles)
    • continue along the A243 to join the M25 east at Junction 9 (approximately 1.3 miles) 

    M25/A3 Junction 10 diversion mapA3 travelling northbound (towards London), to continue west on M25

    • leave the A3 at Send onto the B2215, at the roundabout take the first exit to the A247 Send Barns Lane, to the roundabout junction with B382 High Street Old Woking (approximately 2.1 miles)
    • take the second exit to the B382 High Street and continue onto the B382 Old Woking Road then continue to the roundabout Junction with the A245 (approximately 2.9 miles)
    • take the first exit to the A245 Sheerwater Road continuing on the A245 to the Six Crossroads Roundabout Junction with the A320 taking the fifth exit to the A320 Chertsey road (approximately 1.8 miles), then continuing on the A320 the M25 J11 to join the M25 west (approximately 3.6 miles)

    M25/A3 Junction 10 diversion mapConfused? We are. Ultra Low Emission Zone across London will remain in force during these closures, the signed diversion routes have been designed to ensure that drivers would avoid any charges. Drivers are therefore advised to follow the signed diversion route or check whether their vehicle would be subject to charges at the Transport for London website. So please keep to the diversion routes and don’t follow your SatNav

To keep up to date on all the roadworks taking place in the South East visit National Highways Website 

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)