A popular boxing club is seeking to take over the former stables building at Horton Park.

Gauntlett Boxing Club has asked Epsom and Ewell Borough Council for lease of the property in Horton Lane and plan to carry out ‘Gauntlett-themed’ modernisation.

The club hopes to introduce Olympic-style boxing to the area after noticing an appetite for it - the family-run club currently offers lessons to adults and juniors at Harrier Centre in Poole Road, many of which are at capacity.

Chris Gauntlett, owner and coach, said: “At the moment we’re doing more white collar and it’s hard to get the kids out for the fights so we’re going to take them down that Olympic route now.

“We’ve got a waiting list for 40 members coming in, we’ve got so many different classes: adults, juniors, teens, women.

“A lot of guys come in not to spar but to get fit, we take away that intimidating environment of boxing clubs and we teach them on the bags and how to defend themselves.”

The club still has a competitive edge for boxers that do spar in the ring, their own Joey Knight will soon be up for a Welterweight title in the upcoming Queensbury Boxing League at Epsom Downs on March 17.

On the same date, the club's Michael Burrows is in an eliminator for a Middleweight title fight and Hussein Mohungoo is up for his Lightweight debut.  

The new boxing club’s hours of operation would officially be a maximum of 8am to 8pm, but it expects most classes will run from 5pm to fit in with members’ school and work hours.

The club predicts there will be 10 cars maximum at any one time, far fewer during the day.

Neighbour notification began on February 9.

Christopher Newton, of 9 Nell Gwynne Close, said: “Is a Boxing Club in keeping with its location in a Country Park with equestrian facilities and wild life?”

There are only eight neighbours in the area, so far none others have published comments.

The consultation lasts for three weeks, after March 2 the application will be considered by the planning officer or go before the Planning Committee.

In its application, Gauntlett Boxing Club said: “We believe that this could represent a win-win scenario for all parties.

“The business has now established a solid track record, with excellent repeat revenues and an expanding customer base.”