Category: News

King’s Award For Surrey Hills Radio

Surrey Hills Community Radio, based in Leatherhead, was presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service at a celebration evening on Monday (28th April) —the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK and the equivalent to an MBE for a group of volunteers. The Award presentation was held at ‘The Stockroom Society’ in Leatherhead’s Swan Shopping Centre, bringing together current presenters, supporters, and community partners from over a decade of broadcasting.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, presented the Award to the station co-founder and station manager – Dave Smith. The citation was read by Deputy Lieutenant Neelam Devesher, one of the Award assessors. Among the distinguished guests were Peter Cluff, the High Sheriff of Surrey, Helen Maguire MP, and Vice-Chairman of Mole Valley District Council, Cllr Roger Adams.

The evening was a vibrant reflection of the community spirit SHCR has championed since its inception. Guests included representatives from Freewheelers Theatre and Media Company, The Theatre Academy, The Sunnybank Trust, The Orpheus Centre, The Paul Alan Project, Leatherhead Cricket Club, and Mole Valley Runners, Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival, the Mole Valley Employment & Skills Hub, plus their newest partners the organisers of ShyneFest. Also attending were local businesses who sponsor shows that have supported the station’s growth, including local caterer Nibble & Feast and The Golden Scissors hair salon.

A standout moment came from Claygate Primary School, who delighted the audience with two radio-themed songs, complete with dance moves. Adding to the emotional resonance of the evening, Millie Jane Franks gave a heartfelt speech before performing live, sharing her gratitude for SHCR’s continued support of her career through their new music programme. Her performance was a moving reminder of the station’s impact on local talent and creativity.

King's Award For Surrey Hills RadioStation Manager Dave Smith shared,
“This Award is not just for the radio station—it’s for every single person who has given their time, their talent, and their voice to make SHCR what it is today. We are so grateful to all who have been part of our journey.”

The announcement for the award in 2024 – the tenth year anniversary of the station, followed a memorable visit by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh who visited the studio in North Street and recorded a special radio show during which he interviewed key members of the team and presenters, which was aired a few days later on his 60th birthday.

Monday’s celebration marked not only a milestone for SHCR, but a reaffirmation of its mission: to bring people together through the power of local radio, community collaboration, and shared stories.

You can find out more about Surrey Hills Community Radio, including how to listen in to its exclusively online shows at www.surreyhillsradio.co.uk

King's Award For Surrey Hills Radio

Photography by Andy Newbold & Kayleigh Arunasalon.

Proposals Outlining Plans for Surrey

On Tuesday 29th April 2025, district and borough councils have published proposals for local government reorganisation on their websites, to be debated at Council meetings across Surrey in the coming days. Final proposals will be submitted to the Government by 9th May 2025.

Eight of the eleven district and borough councils are proposing a three unitary council model for Surrey. They believe that this is the best way to preserve local democracy and accountability, and would ensure that new councils align with Surrey’s existing economic and community identities – creating the foundation for more responsive governance and stronger local economies. There is also a proposal for two unitary councils being submitted by Surrey County Council. Those councils that have been undecided so far will make a final decision between the 6 and 8 May.

The new structure for local government will replace the current two-tier system of district, borough and county councils.

surreyCouncillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group and Chair of the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Residents’ Association (Majority Group) said:

“This is a significant achievement and the culmination of much collaboration and hard work by council leaders and officers across the county.

“There are still issues to be resolved, including how debt will be managed. Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to work at pace towards a vision for the county that delivers for our residents and communities, that enables us to unlock the wider benefits that devolution can ultimately bring.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part in the recent resident engagement which sought opinion on shaping Surrey’s future, the results of which indicated clear public support for a three unitary model of local government.

“We also appreciate the time given to us by representatives from charities, parish and town councils, residents forums, health services, community groups and others across the county in our stakeholder engagement exercise and roundtable group sessions. It was really important to make sure as many voices as possible were heard in this journey about the risks and opportunities of changes that will impact local services and communities.”

Government is expected to decide on proposals by the end of the year. If approved, legislation will be passed to allow the changes, and elections for new shadow unitary councils will be held in May 2026, with a view to the new unitaries going live in May 2027.

Proposals are published on council websites:

PAW Patrol-Themed Land Opening Spring 2026

Leading UK family theme park, Chessington World of Adventures, has announced a major new partnership with Paramount Location-Based Experiences and global preschool powerhouse, PAW Patrol, produced by Spin Master Entertainment.

The London attraction will launch a themed, immersive land comprising four thrilling rides -including an entry-level ‘my first rollercoaster’ – play areas, and interactive character ‘meet and greet’ events. Guests will also enjoy a dedicated food and beverage outlet and picnic space, plus a customised retail store.

The new must-visit destination for preschoolers and their families, targeting children aged two to five years old, will be the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land. Representing a multi-million pound investment, with a 1.4 acre footprint, the new land will also be Chessington’s largest preschooler attraction.

PAW Patrol, the top-rated preschool series in the UK and globally, follows the adventures of a tech-savvy boy named Ryder and his team of heroic rescue pups who are ready to save the day. Whenever there’s trouble, pups Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, Everest and Tracker are ready for action, no matter what comes their way. With a mission to work together to keep Adventure Bay safe, no job is too big, and no pup is too small. Since launching on Nickelodeon in 2013, the franchise has expanded with consumer products, two feature films with a third coming up in 2026, and live events including PAW PatrolTM Live! in the UK this summer. PAW Patrol is produced by Spin Master Entertainment and airs on Nickelodeon, Channel 5’s Milkshake! and Paramount+ in the UK.

PAW Patrol-themed land opening in 2026
The new attraction will see PAW Patrol’s Adventure Bay setting represented in vibrant landscape theming with the land’s storytelling drawing on the role of the pups in the community, demonstrating purpose and everyday heroism. PAW Patrol’s values of teamwork and friendship resonate with parents and children and support families on their preschooler journey. These themes will come to life in the immersive experience at Chessington, with messaging around emotional and social engagement integrated into the fun. This aligns with Chessington’s core purpose for its guests – driving valuable connection between parents and children while they enjoy family-friendly thrills.

A PAWsome 2025 at Chessington
Children don’t need to wait until 2026 to meet their favourite pups. Families can begin to immerse themselves in PAW Patrol at Chessington from spring 2025. Pups Chase, Skye and Rubble will be on site helping to oversee the construction of the new land, giving guests the opportunity to interact with their favourite characters in a brand-new PAW Patrol Meet and Greet experience opening for May half term, from 24th May.

From this summer, PAW Patrol fans can enjoy a ‘pawfect’ short break when Chessington’s Safari Hotel opens an exclusive collection of five themed rooms – the first and only PAW Patrol accommodation in the UK. And in September, Marshall will join his pup pals to launch PAW Patrol Autumn Adventure* – an action-packed day of fun including a pup-tastic park trail, the opportunity to meet the heroic pups, and access to 20 magical preschool rides and attractions.

PAW Patrol themed land opening Spring 2026

Howard Ebison, Divisional Director of Chessington World of Adventures, said:

“Our purpose at Chessington is to be the UK’s greatest place for young families to create lifelong memories​. As one of the world’s leading pre-school brands – delighting children across the globe with the stories of Adventure Bay – the power and appeal of PAW Patrol is unparalleled. It’s a great privilege to join forces with Paramount to create this immersive land – the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol themed land – to provide magic and excitement for our young guests. We can’t wait to welcome the pups to Chessington World of Adventures. As the pups would say, Chessington is ready for action!”

Marie Marks, SVP, Global Experiences at Paramount, said:

“We are so excited to see the iconic PAW Patrol brand come to life at Chessington World of Adventure, and incredibly pleased to be partnering with Merlin Entertainments to bring these beloved pups to their first fully themed land in the UK. Chessington World of Adventures and Nickelodeon have a deep commitment to creating entertainment that families can enjoy together, and we are delighted that this new themed land will immerse young visitors in their very own PAW Patrol adventure.”

Visit www.chessington.com/paw-patrol

*PAW Patrol Autumn Adventure runs from 3rd to 26th September mid-week during term time. Day tickets start from £29 per person.

Happy Birthday Vampire Ride at CWOA

UN-BITE-LIEVABLE! VAMPIRE ROLLER COASTER AT CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES CELEBRATES 35 YEARS.

Chessington World of Adventures is celebrating 35 thrilling years of its legendary Vampire roller coaster by giving away a fang-tastic 100 fast tracks!

Fast track passes – worth £60 per person – will be awarded to the best-dressed little vampires and their families visiting on Friday 11th April

Chessington World of Adventures’ iconic ride, Vampire, is marking an incredible 35 years next Friday 11th April.

As Europe’s first ever suspended roller coaster, which first took flight in 1990, the London theme park’s Vampire roller coaster has thrilled millions, and cape-tivated visitors with daring drops, swooping turns and eerie theming throughout.

To commemorate this mystical milestone for one of the nation’s favourite rides, the attraction is hosting a special weekend of celebrations, including giving away 100 free fast track tickets worth £60 per person.

Kids aged 6 to 15 are invited to come to the park dressed to thrill, donning their finest vampire attire*, to be in with the chance to win ‘Ultimate 8’ fast track access to Chessington’s top rides, including Croc Drop, Mandrill Mayhem and the iconic Vampire.

Howard Ebison, Divisional Director at Chessington World of Adventures said: “Vampire is one of those rollercoasters that everyone knows and loves. It’s one of our most popular coasters, and what makes it so special is the nostalgia it brings. Every day we have visiting parents (and even grandparents!) reminisce about riding it when they were young. And now they have the opportunity to take their kids on one of their childhood favourite rides. This big birthday weekend is a fantastic opportunity for families to create more unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to see our park filled with the excitement and creativity of our youngest guests.”

“This special offer serves as a thank you for three and a half decades of support, ultimately making Vampire a cherished part of our attraction history.”

Over the Vampire birthday weekend (11th-13th April), Chessington World of Adventures will be in spooky festive mode. Wild Woods will be transformed into a gothic garden party and Violet, Chessington’s much-loved vampire bat character, will be making a special appearance to meet with children every morning.

John Wardley – one of the world’s leading rollercoaster creators – is the mastermind who designed the iconic Vampire coaster for Chessington back in 1990. On the milestone birthday, John commented: “It is incredible to see the lasting impact Vampire has had over the past 35 years. From initially writing to Chessington Zoo’s director with the idea to transform the attraction into a theme park, to being the first to ride the Vampire track, the process and making-of Vampire has been a thrilling adventure in itself.

“I have always been fascinated with illusions and special effects, and this was something I really wanted to bring to life with Vampire – giving riders the opportunity to be fully immersed in the adventure. It was this inspiration that ultimately led to the revolutionary suspended track – with Vampire being the first roller coaster of its kind in the UK. It’s inspired coasters globally since.

“It brings me immense joy to know Vampire continues to delight and inspire new generations.”

Vampire hangs at 70 feet, soaring through the skies, swooping over the rooftops of Wild Woods and flying through the treetops with speeds of 45 miles per hour. The ride’s height restriction starts at 1.1metre.

For those with an undying love for Vampire, looking to ride it for the first time, or simply joining the celebrations at Chessington, head over to chessington.com/Vampire-35th-birthday for details of the fast track giveaway and what’s on over the birthday weekend.

*To qualify for the offer the child must be dressed in a recognisable Vampire costume – this will be assessed at the discretion of the Chessington ticket office team

HOW TO ENTER:

  • Come to the Safari Hotel at Chessington World of Adventures at 10.15 on Friday 11th April to take part in the contest (Chessington’s Admissions team will direct you from the entrance gates)
  • Entrants should be dressed in a recognisable vampire costume
    The competition is open to children aged 6 – 15 years old, accompanied by an adult
  • Please note participants must have a pre-booked Chessington ticket
  • Each winner will receive four Ultimate 8 Reserve and Ride passes for themselves and three additional people. Up to three children can be part of each group of four. Each group must include at least one adult over 18 years old. Free passes are limited to a total of 100 fast tracks

    See full terms & conditions at chessington.com/Vampire-35th-birthday

News Community Sports Centre at Reigate Grammar School

We are thrilled to share an exciting new project that will enhance student life and shape the future of sport and activity at Reigate Grammar School for generations to come. After receiving planning approval, we are moving forward with the design and build of a new, state-of-the-art sport and activity centre – The Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre.

This incredible community facility, set to open in September 2027, is made possible thanks to a generous donation from former pupil Andy Paul, alongside financial resources we can now rely on from our RGS International partnerships. This generosity and commitment to RGS has enabled us to move forward with our plans to ensure that sport, fitness, and wellbeing remain at the heart of school life.

A Vision for the Future of Sport at RGS

The Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre will provide outstanding new facilities. The centre will include:

A multi-sport competition-standard Sports Hall for netball, indoor hockey, cricket, badminton, and more.

A fully equipped fitness and conditioning suite supporting student active wellbeing and performance sport.

A dance / multipurpose studio .

Outdoor Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) providing all-weather spaces for both sport and an enhanced play space for all.

With the construction beginning in April 2026, this project builds on the success of the Harrison Centre and reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing RGS facilities for future generations.

Why This Matters for Our Students and the Future of RGS

Through sport and physical activity at RGS, we develop character, instil a lifelong love of movement, and provide pathways for excellence, ensuring that every student finds their place within our sporting community. As part of our 350th year commitment to the future, The Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre is a legacy project, securing the long-term success and stability of RGS. It will keep us at the forefront of independent education, attract the best students and staff, and continue to ensure that an RGS education is one of excellence, ambition, and opportunity.

“My time at RGS helped me become who I am today. I want to give back and ensure future generations have the very best facilities to thrive, just as I did.” Andy Paul.

We are incredibly grateful to Andy Paul and our International Partnerships for making this possible and look forward to celebrating this next chapter in RGS history with you all.

What Happens Next?

-April 2026 Construction begins

-September 2027 Opening of The Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre

Follow our journey - we will share updates and progress on our website and social media channels as we bring this vision to life.

Follow RGS Sport @reigategrammarsport to see how we are leading the way in school sport at RGS.

Nescot graduate on road to WorldSkills Shanghai

Melissa Barretto, a skilled Professional Cookery Diploma graduate from North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot), is setting out on a journey of a lifetime, in an intrepid bid to do the UK proud on the international stage at the next WorldSkills Competition.  Known as the ‘skills olympics’, it will be held in Shanghai from 22-27 September 2026.

Following Melissa’s success in its national Culinary Arts skills competitions, WorldSkills UK, in partnership with Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company has announced that Melisa will join its 18-month intensive training programme. Melissa will be aiming to be selected for the team that will represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai.

It is the first time China has hosted the prestigious WorldSkills competition. The event will see 1500 young people travel to Shanghai from over 80 counties to compete in technical skill disciplines from engineering, manufacturing and technology through to creative, digital and hospitality in front of an audience of 250,000.

The WorldSkills competition is considered by global experts as the ultimate test of a nation’s ability to meet future skills needs. It is attended by government representatives, educationalists and leading employers from across the globe.

WorldSkills UK uses its participation in the international WorldSkills competition to promote skills excellence across the UK, and by working with education, industry and UK governments it is embedding world class training standards throughout the skills sector.  This is helping to meet the demand for a highly skilled workforce in crucial sectors including engineering, digital, manufacturing and construction.

The UK will be competing in over 30 skills at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, including 3D Digital Game Art, Robot Systems Integration and Renewable Energy.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to Melissa on being selected for our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Together with the other members on our programme, Melissa will be developing the right skills to fuel business growth across our economy. With WorldSkills being hosted in Shanghai next year, it provides a fantastic platform for us to work closely with China, where we know skills excellence is a priority, to collaborate, innovate and learn from the very best in the world.”

Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications said: “Pearson is proud to sponsor Team UK! Boosting the profile and prestige of technical and vocational education is incredibly important to us and I wish this talented group of 86 young people from across the country the best of luck as they begin their training programme towards competing in Shanghai.”

Melissa Barretto won the Silver Medal in the Culinary Arts category at WorldSkills UK in November. She was part of the first cohort of students on the Level 3 Advanced Professional Cookery Diploma course at Nescot, and the first year that the Catering and Hospitality department had entered the competition. She competed in the WorldSkills National finals along with fellow student, Iustin, a worthy finalist.

 

Karin Freestone, Catering and Hospitality Chef Lecturer at Nescot said: “Congratulations and well done to Melissa on this incredible achievement. We are immensely proud of Melissa and so thrilled that she has been selected for this prestigious training programme. Her skills and talent are exceptional and evident throughout her time at Nescot. It’s been an honour and privilege to mentor her and we wish Melissa the very best on her journey.”

 

NESCOTJulie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO at Nescot said: “We were thrilled when two of our Professional Cookery students competed in the finals with Melissa wining Silver. A remarkable achievement for our Catering and Hospitality department in their first year of entering the competition and a testament to the team’s exceptional training, guidance and support for all our learners. We are so proud and delighted for Melissa and we look forward to following her exciting training journey for WorldSkills Shanghai. Good luck and all the very best to her.”

Students from Nescot have participated in the finals of WorldSkills UK for the third year running, with Nescot’s Creative Media students wining Gold in 2023 and Bronze in 2022.

Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai, following a successful partnership at WorldSkills Lyon in 2024.

For information on Squad UK for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 visit the WorldSkills UK website here.

For information on Nescot’s Catering and Hospitality courses visit our website here.

Citizens Advice takes energy advice out to the community

Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell takes energy advice out to the community Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) is reaching out to the community to inform residents in the borough how to manage energy in the home efficiently. Three locations have been secured where visitors can meet with CAEE advisers to discuss their own energy in the home issues. The free advice includes:
            • Reducing energy use in the home
            • Help applying for grants and benefits
            • Switching providers
            • Warm home discounts
            • Crisis support
            • Smart meters
image of Lisa Davis, CEO of CA Epsom and Ewell,Lisa Davis, CEO of CAEE, said: “We know people are worrying about their use of energy. The on-going cost of living crisis is still affecting us, but for some, it can be truly devastating. We can help – come and talk to us and we can support you with a way forward.” CAEE is still seeking more locations – schools, churches and social groups. It is targeting under-represented communities who need help with benefit checks, energy bills and debt, and also referring people in need to other areas where Citizens Advice can help. Some financial support is available from the Project Wenceslas fund for those with energy debts or need help to purchase energy efficient appliances. For further information, visit our webpage www.caee.org.uk/energy-advice/. Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell takes energy advice out to the community

Council Approves Proposed Local Government Reorganisation

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council approves joint interim proposal for local government reorganisation and votes in favour of three unitary councils for Surrey

The interim proposal outlines a shared vision for Surrey, with options to split Surrey into two or three unitary councils following reorganisation. Currently there is a two-tier system in place, with 11 district and borough councils, and one county council. As set out in the Government’s English Devolution white paper, the aim of dissolving all 12 current councils to create two or three unitary councils is to create more clarity for residents over decision-making and accountability, achieve greater financial resilience, and economies of scale to deliver services that improve outcomes for residents – particularly those in greatest need of support. Both two and three unitary options would offer savings; and both would unlock the opportunity for further devolution in Surrey.

Councillors discussed that three unitary authorities would provide stronger local connections and accountability between local government and the communities they serve, would be better placed to reflect the unique identities of their communities and better able to meet their needs. Three unitaries, which reflect existing economic geographies, would also enable a clearer economic strategy, greater ability to focus on an area’s specific strengths and would help maximise opportunities for strategic investment and growth.

The interim proposal will be submitted to Government on Friday 21 March. Over the coming weeks and months, Surrey councils will continue to work together to deliver the full proposal to Government by 9 May 2025. Questions remain, including around debt management, funding gaps associated with delivery of the local government reorganisation, and what form wider consultation on local government reorganisation will take.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Residents’ Association at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (Majority Group), said:

“Throughout this process, at the forefront of our minds is how best to serve our communities and preserve local democracy for the future.

“Our focus is on continuing to deliver the services our residents rely on, while representing the interests of all our communities across the borough to ensure a bright future, making the most of the opportunities that local government reorganisation and devolution has the potential to deliver for our residents.

“We will continue to work in partnership with councils across Surrey, our partners and residents, to achieve our shared vision for Surrey.”

For More Details CLICK HERE

Author and Zoologist Jane Wilson-Howarth returns to Nescot

North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) welcomed Jane Wilson-Howarth, world renowned physician, author, zoologist and an authority on travel health to the college yesterday. Jane inspired and motivated our learners with two very special talks about her journey as a published writer, and her love for animals in her fascinating encounters with the wildlife in Madagascar.

Jane studied at the college in the early 1970s when it was known as Ewell Technical College, completing her Ordinary National Diploma in Sciences. She was delighted to return to her alma mater, now known as Nescot.

Jane’s first talk reflected on her career as an author and her time at the college. She spoke about how a letter-writing habit in childhood helped her writing abilities. She explained to students that writing is an essential and useful skill and emphasised the importance of finding your passion, “It doesn’t matter what it is, if you’re passionate about something, it will come across in your writing”, said Jane.

For her second talk, Jane spoke about her travels in Madagascar and her fascination and love for the wonderful wildlife on the island especially the lemurs. Our Animal Care students, some of whom have been to Madagascar on a college trip last year were fascinated to hear her experiences and reflections – including being bitten by a scorpion.

Jane was also given a tour of the college including the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) that featured an eye-catching and creative display of her fiction and non-fiction books, a selection of photographs from her travels and various newspaper articles. Students are able to borrow and browse Jane’s books from the LRC. At the end of her visit, Jane was delighted to be awarded with the Nescot Honorary Fellowship by Principal and CEO, Julie Kapsalis.

Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO said, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to welcome Jane back to her old college as one of our most illustrious alumni. A big thank you to Jane for sharing her extraordinary career as a writer and zoologist with our students and staff.

“It’s a privilege to award Jane with an Honorary Fellowship. We introduced the award in 2023 for the college’s 70th anniversary to recognise excellence of former students and members of the local community. It is the highest accolade the college can bestow.”

author and zoologist Jane Wilson-Howarth returns to NescotSpeaking about her visit, Jane said, “It’s a real pleasure to come back to Nescot. I was here from 1970 to 1972 and had a really good science education at the college and that gave me the confidence I needed. It’s been so wonderful meeting and speaking with students today. I was so touched by the time and effort that went into creating the wonderful display of my published work in the college’s Learning Resources Centre and the beautiful drawing I received of a leaf tailed Gecko by one of the students. I was especially thrilled to receive an Honorary Fellowship from Nescot. Thank you to everyone at the college for making me feel so welcome and for such a memorable day.”

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council submits Local Plan

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has submitted the borough’s Local Plan to Government for Public Examination by the Planning Inspectorate. Submission at this time ensures that the Local Plan will be inspected according to the December 2023 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Public examination of the Local Plan by an independent Planning Inspector will take place later this year, once an Inspector has been appointed. This is anticipated to take place this summer.

The plan has been written in consultation with residents and stakeholders and is informed by an extensive evidence base. Public consultations took place in February 2023 and December 2024.

The Local Plan is a critical document in shaping the future of the borough. It covers a wide range of issues; from the creation of jobs, environmental protection and leisure development to sites for new homes, including affordable homes, and much-needed infrastructure improvements.

The council’s Local Plan Examination Webpage contains more information on the Local Plan Examination, including the documents submitted and copies of responses to the Proposed Submission Local Plan.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy CommitteeCouncillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said “I am very grateful to EEBC officers who have worked diligently to reach this milestone, ensuring that the Local Plan is assessed against the framework to which it was developed. Overall, it has been a huge undertaking.

I also thank all the residents who took the time to tell us their views. I know that the plan will not please everyone. However, I believe it is a huge step forward for our borough and our communities, and if adopted it will help ensure that all Epsom & Ewell residents can enjoy the benefits that this strategic plan aims to deliver – whether their focus is on access to affordable homes, leisure facilities and green space, to jobs and economic growth.”

The public examination will include public hearings. Details on these will be published on the council’s website.