Lord Rosbery stepped down from a horse drawn cab at Epsom town hall in the latest stage of the campaign to save historic racing stables, The Durdans, from development.

On Friday Epsom horseman Lawrence Saupe, dressed as one of Epsom’s most famous figures, delivered a petition signed by more than 3,000 people to Epsom MP Chris Grayling, who handed it in to the council.

One of the supporters of the campaign is Mark Phillips, former international horseman and ex-husband of Princess Anne.

The petition has been organised by the Epsom Equestrian Conservation Group, which is determined to stop The Durdans and the two star listed riding school, once owned by Lord Rosbery, from being turned into homes and offices.

The Durdans is owned by Lord Halifax, who claims that there is no demand by trainers to use the property for equestrian use.

But Caroline Baldock, chairman of the Epsom Equestrian Conservation Group, said: “We cannot allow areas of natural beauty and equestrian properties to continue to be developed.

“There are so few left and horses have an important part to play in our health and happiness. Sports and pastimes are needed more now than ever before.”

Epsom’s planning committee will discuss the prospective development of the Durdans/Lavendou Stables at a special meeting on Wednesday, January 28, at 7.30pm in Epsom Town Hall.

The meeting will be open for the public to attend and listen to the discussion.

Councillor Jan Mason, chairman of the planning committee, said: “The committee decided, given the public interest in this particular application, that a special meeting needed to be held.

“I am acutely aware that many people have concerns about the site, especially as it is historically important.”