Category: News

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.”

 

Citizens Advice celebrates 85 years in the community

Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell celebrates 85 years in the community, by your side 

As Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell published its Annual Report 2023/24 yesterday (4 September 2024), the community service at the heart of Epsom & Ewell celebrated 85 years of supporting local people. 

image of Lisa Davis, CEO of CA Epsom and Ewell,Lisa Davis, CEO of Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, said: 

“Citizens Advice was set up on the 4th of September 1939, just after the start of WW2. This was no coincidence, but a response to wartime demands never seen before in our history. Mass evacuations, bombing raids, missing loved ones, and food-rationing all faced the citizens of Epsom & Ewell. 

“In times like these, people need reassurance, support, and action. At first, Citizens Advice’s role was to act as a switchboard, referring people to the government department the particular difficulty applied to. 

“However, very soon Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell rose to the challenge and took up the mantle as a one-stop shop for citizens’ every concern. This legacy lives on – there is no issue, no person, no situation turned away by the Citizens Advice. For 85 years, we’ve been by the side of communities in landmark historical moments providing advice for those that need it. 

“Whilst our core role may have changed since the days of WW2, we remain a beacon of hope for the local community. No matter the adversity, we approach it with empathy, professionalism, and selflessness. The parallels in the selflessness of our staff and volunteers in the 1940s and today are clear. 

“After the war, we were crucial in rehousing refugees, evacuees, and returning Epsom & Ewell back to a new post-War society. After the recent lockdown, we stepped out of our homes into a post-pandemic society and a changed world. Citizens Advice has been the first port of call for many of those who have struggled mentally over the pandemic, had been put out of work, found themselves in debt or just did not know where to turn. Times may change, but Citizens Advice’s consistent support does not.” 

Epsom & Ewell Council 2023/24 Annual Report

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has published its 2023/24 Annual Report which shows the progress the council has made over the last financial year, delivering on strategic priorities whilst providing high-quality statutory services for residents and businesses in Epsom & Ewell.

The report provides an overview of services including Planning, Housing, Waste & Recycling, updates on strategic priorities including the council’s Climate Change Pledge, Community & Wellbeing projects, its Arts, Culture & Heritage Strategy, and information on the council’s finances.

Image of Jackie King Epsom & Ewell CouncilJackie King, Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “I am incredibly proud to share Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Annual Report for 2023/24 which outlines the fantastic work the council has delivered over the last financial year. 

In challenging times, our 35 Councillors, and workforce of more than 280 officers take pride in delivering high-quality services to around 80,000 residents and 3,700 businesses across the borough. 

As the report shows, we are in a good position to meet any challenges the future may bring and I look forward to continuing to deliver the council’s strategic priorities, whilst supporting our residents to the best of our ability in the year ahead.”

Epsom & Ewell’s Annual Report can be viewed here: Epsom & Ewell Annual Report 2023/24 | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Printed copies are available to view at both the Town Hall in Epsom and Bourne Hall in Ewell.

Department for Education Minister visits NESCOT

Staff and students were delighted to host Baroness Jacqui Smith, the Department for Education’s Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education on her visit to Nescot (North East Surrey College of Technology) on Tuesday, 3 September.

Nescot Principal and CEO, Julie Kapsalis and Chris Muller, Chair of Governors, welcomed the Minster and were proud to showcase the college’s state-of-the-art facilities, courses, study programmes and skills provision. The Minister had a tour of the Skills Park that included meeting students, apprentices, staff and the college’s employer partners.

Upon arrival, the Minister met Creative Media student, Charlie who won gold at WorldSkills UK 2023, the college’s new alpacas, Dolly and Florence (from the on-site farm) and Rhubarb, the assistance dog.

The Minister was introduced to students studying on Nescot’s new courses in Construction Skills for Highway Maintenance delivered in partnership with leading highway maintenance contractor, Ringway. She observed demonstrations from students who were learning to lay concrete slabs and drive virtual diggers.

Supporting the Government’s ambition to grow apprenticeships, the Minister met apprentices from the construction industry, from Ridgeback, Premier Heating and Watkins Cole. She heard how Nescot has supported many of the students through progression pathways and finding employers. She was particularly interested to hear how Nescot is working to recruit more women into the construction trades through role models and working with employers including Wates.

The Minister was shown the college’s new state-of-the-art immersive learning spaces with virtual reality driving simulators and a variety of artificial intelligence tools offering students an innovative learning experience. The Minister also met Pepper, the humanoid and programmable robot from The Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology (IoT) at Nescot. The IoT offers specialist courses and apprenticeships available in digital technologies to equip learners with the relevant skills in an increasingly tech reliant world.

Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO along with Nescot’s senior leaders had the opportunity to speak to the Minister about some of the college’s challenges and successes. She said, “We are thrilled and honoured that the Minister chose to visit Nescot at the start of the academic year. The FE sector plays a critical role in not just the training and education of young people and adults, but it is at the forefront of enabling social mobility and meeting the local skills and employment needs.”

Essential to Nescot’s success are the college’s relationships with businesses and the community. Ringway, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Surrey Chambers and Wates had the opportunity to meet with the Minister to talk about their skills needs and work with the college.

Lewis Bridgman, Service Director, Ringway said, “The collaboration between Ringway and Nescot is a shining example of how local partnerships can foster economic growth and community development in Surrey. By investing in the next generation of engineers, the community is setting a strong foundation for long-term prosperity within the delivery of the Surrey Highways service. This approach not only benefits current residents but also ensures that the future workforce is well-equipped to maintain and enhance the region’s infrastructure, contributing to a robust and sustainable economy.”

Julie added, “On behalf of all our staff and students, I thank the Minister for taking the time out of her busy schedule to visit us. We hope our wonderful staff and students (and animals) have left a lasting impression. I would also like to thank our employer partners for their ongoing support and collaboration.”

The visit concluded with plastering student CJ presenting the Minister with a sculpture of a dog made by her department.