Residents have rallied against a proposal to demolish the South Hatch stables in Epsom to build housing.

The planning application submitted to Epsom and Ewell borough council proposes to replace the racehorse training establishment, in Burgh Heath Road, with a training complex and 47 apartments.

The planning statement attached to the application claims the existing racehorse training establishment is in “very poor condition” and a redevelopment would boost the training industry in Epsom.

Lesley and Roger Pond commented on the application: “The proposals would have an adverse visual impact on the openness of the green belt and would contribute to the urban sprawl.

“The impact on ecology and wildlife particularly caused by light spillage would be detrimental.

“47 flats is a large number and none are for social housing so 47 private flats close to the Downs are likely to fetch a good price.”

Timothy Murphy, of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, wrote: “the importance of protecting this area of green belt far outweighs the arguments put forward by the applicant.

“Planting proposals included in the planning application would be inadequate to hide the buildings. Night time light pollution would be a particular problem.

“Overspill parking from the development will result in congestion along Burgh Heath Road itself.”

College Ward councillor Alex Clarke said he understood the historical significance of horse-racing in Epsom, but was worried about the planning proposal.

He said: "I understand the financial reasons but I am worried about the level of development. I am worried at this current stage about what is being proposed."

Lisa Allison, acting agent for the development's applicant, Jim Boyle, said: "The proposal represents a significant opportunity to begin an upward trend of enhancing the Racehorse Training Establishment (RTE) facilities within Epsom and raising the industry profile, to compete with other successful racing locations such as Newmarket and Lambourn.

"The re-development of the facilities at South Hatch will bring with it significant economic benefits to the training industry in both Epsom and nationally and will support sustainable economic growth

"The enabling residential development is the absolute minimum amount of development required to fund the cost of the new RTE.

"Should this application fail, South Hatch Stables will close and to the further detriment of the horseracing industry of Epsom.

"This will also lead to Jim Boyle, who has committed 17 years to building a successful racehorse training business in Epsom, being forced to relocate to one of the other training centres outside of Epsom."

The planning application is awaiting a decision, and the consultation period expired on Monday, July 30.