Residents' views wanted on development (From Your Local Guardian)

Residents' views wanted on new development in Epsom

7:40am Friday 20th July 2012 in News By Hardeep Matharu

Residents are being invited to have their say on building heights and good design for new developments in Epsom and Ewell.

Following recent changes in national planning policy, Epsom and Ewell Council is required to prepare a series of development management policies to guide and manage future development proposals.

A number of campaign groups have voiced their concern in recent weeks about an alleged "loss of vision" for Epsom town centre, fuelled by anger over the station development.

The council is now welcoming the views of residents and businesses to make sure its new policies are appropriate, and a consultation has started which runs until September 7.

The policies focus on sustainable and higher quality development and will also cover topics including managing new development in the green belt, climate change, heritage assets and managing new retail and employment uses.

They will replace the older development control policies in the 2000 local plan which are no longer relevant or out of date.

Lib Dem Councillor Julie Morris said: "This is the chance for people to really have a say on building design, heights and density. 

"Those who have rightly criticised the design of some new buildings should make sure they respond. 

"I've been told there's going to be a public meeting in September which might well cover this consultation.  

"This council has a dreadful record on climate change issues and other than reduce energy consumption in council buildings, has done virtually nothing. 

"Now's the time for residents to insist that new buildings use renewable energy, grey water and are designed to look good but have a low or nil carbon footprint."

To take part visit http://epsom-ewell-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/ or pick up a copy from the town hall or the borough’s libraries.

Email comments to LDF@epsom-ewell.gov.uk or send them by post to: Planning Policy, Epsom and Ewell Council, Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5BY.

All comments must be received by 5pm on September 7.