Plans to turn disused Nonsuch Park lodge into vets come under fire

Wingrave Veterinary Surgeries want to move into the property and build an extension with a two-bedroom flat above, nine parking spaces and an access way onto London Road, Stoneleigh.

But residents who oppose the plans to build in the park said they do not need another vets and the proposed development would reduce park space and increase traffic.

Peter Grinham, from nearby Chadacre Road, described the proposed vets as "extremely large" and said the project would destroy surrounding wildlife habitat.

He said: "We don’t need another veterinary surgery, certainly not at the loss of open space. The more residents are hearing about it, the more they are getting angry and upset that more park space will be lost."

Mr Grinham said the council has only informed households on London Road and the issue was "likely to explode" when others found out about the plans.

He said: "All these roads in Stoneleigh are already used as a rat run. It will make the traffic problem worse and set a precedent for selling off or renting off more bits of Nonsuch Park.

"This will eventually chip away at open park space which is a travesty."

Neill Denny, from Holmwood Road, said the lodge should be turned into a family home or knocked down, grassed over and returned to parkland.

Mr Denny said: "They should not be building a commercial building on the park. You wouldn't go to Hyde Park and says 'let's put a vets there'. Why should Nonsuch Park be any different?"

The planning statement said the traditionally built extension would "make positive use of the disused, redundant" lodge without detracting from the character of the area.

It said: "The development of the surgery will provide an isolated community use within an attractive park environment and will enable the surrounding grounds to be enhanced by means of ecologically friendly landscaping."

Mike Teasdale, a member of the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee who is standing for re-election to Epsom Council, said leasing the building to the vets would generate a stream of income for cutting grass and other park maintenance.

In response to Mr Grinham, he said: "I do appreciate this gentleman’s comments, but he does seem to be not of the majority.

"In general terms, park users in particular have thought it is a good idea. They would rather see it properly used than lying there becoming derelict."

The privately-owned veterinary practice, which started in 1950, also has surgeries in Epsom, Sutton and Chipstead. The Cheam branch was relocated to the Sutton surgery last year.

It has been asked to explain its views on the proposed development but has yet to respond.

An Epsom Council spokesman said the planning application relates to the lodge and its grounds, adding: "There will be no loss of park space. The potential increase in traffic will be weighed-up in the assessment of the application."

The consultation has officially close, but comments can still be received before the planning committee. The issue is likely to be discussed at a planning meeting on Thursday, May 28.

View the plans, with reference 14/01857/FUL, at http://eplanning.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/online-applications/

What do you think of the plans? Please email alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8722 6337