Plans to turn an Epsom hotel into homes have been recommended for approval despite objections from neighbours.

Chalk Lane Hotel currently offers 21 rooms, fine dining, and wedding receptions, but the owners say that they want to retire after running it since December 1997.

The proposal for ’21 dwelling units, car and cycle parking and private and communal gardens’ has been recommended for planning officers ahead Epsom and Ewell Council's planning committee on February 22, despite neighbours writing letters of objection.

John Newman, of Chalk Paddock, said: "I consider the number of car parking spaces specified to be inadequate for the number of dwellings. This is likely to exacerbate the parking issues that already exist at the north end of Chalk Lane."

Another neighbour said: "This is too many dwellings in such a small area, so over development.

"This would also result in a much greater increase in traffic, on a lane that has enough problems as it is."

However, as Chalk Lane Hotel is a brownfield site predicted to be left vacant if not redeveloped, the plans are recommended to be pushed forwards.

The proposal said: “The short-term options for the hotel are its closure and the mothballing of the site and premises until a purchaser could be found via a subsequent marketing process, or the continued operation of the hotel on a marginal or loss-making basis.

“Either option is likely to be highly undesirable as it will undoubtedly lead to a further deterioration of the listed premises. Moreover, ultimately, the latter option will undermine the hotel’s reputation and will likely culminate in its closure in any case due to insolvency at a future date.”

Chalk Lane Hotel previously submitted plans for a 14-bedroom extension in 2008 which was rejected.