Plans to build an apartment complex in Epsom town centre "which would be more at home in a marina" were rejected by councillors yesterday.

Epsom Council’s planning committee considered an application to turn a two-storey house on Ashley Road, next to Epsom Methodist Church, into a three-storey compound, containing eight self-contained, modern flats with balconies and five car parking spaces.

The property, which is currently split into two flats, is next to Ashley Court which is home to inter-war period flats.

All but one of the committee’s councillors refused the application on the grounds of its mass and height, and character and appearance, to the delight of residents in the public gallery who clapped after the vote was taken.

Councillor David Mayall said the development would be more suitable for a "marina" and that it showed "the particular obsession of the architect with boats".  He also said not enough parking would be provided for the development.

Height was the main issue of concern for Councillor Anna Jones, who said the complex would make the adjacent church "look insignificant" and that its "design was odd".

Councillor John Beckett agreed: "We see this type of property down by the side of a river not in a town centre."

But Councillor Mike Teasdale, who voted for the plans, said the design was "acceptable" and that any parking concerns could be raised with the developers in advance.

He said: "Modern design is what we seem to lack a bit in Epsom and this maybe can be the start of everything to come."

Do you think Epsom needs more buildings of a modern design or should developments in the historic market town remain traditional?  Leave a comment below.