Armageddon, East of Epsom

A large area east of Epsom town is likely to resemble Armageddon in the years to come according to Cllr Julie Morris who represents College ward.

Three potential housing sites are within yards of one another, a further planning application has been lodged close by and there are rumours of progress on the Upper High Street development site some 200 yards away.

The Dairy Crest operation in Alexandra Road is closing in March and the land sale is underway. A planning application to demolish a house opposite the Dairy and build flats instead has been sent to the council. A planning application to build on the Mill Road railway cutting has been submitted. Jewsons yard opposite the Dairy is still intact but has been listed for potential housing. These four sites are accessed via arguably the most hazardous 5-way road junction in Epsom, albeit one which has a good safety record because it is so difficult to negotiate.

Cllr Morris claims that on street parking in the area of out of control already, local schools are oversubscribed, Epsom stands to lose one fire engine and that the area will simply not stand such intensive development.

"There's clearly something wrong with the policy here. I don't believe anyone expected all these sites to potentially come up at the same time. The council has unwittingly driven forward a policy which is unrealistic and ill-considered. Housing needs and targets are one thing, but there has to be a better way than just cramming hundreds of dwelling units within a quarter mile radius. This lack of strategic thinking means the area could resemble Armageddon for years. Roads will be gridlocked. The situation will have a serious impact on the quality of life for local residents when we are all trying to recover from the chaos caused by the Epsom Station development" says Cllr Morris, adding "only today the council has received two planning applications for 52 new homes in East Street, Epsom which would be over and above housing targets if they go ahead. We just don't need so many dwellings in such a small space."

In East Street, Epsom, there are further planning proposals. Two commercial units are scheduled for housing and the Lintons Lane Centre has been bought by Charles Church Developments for housing, with an exhibition of the proposals like to go ahead on Tuesday 15th January, 2-8pm in the Centre.

"Where on earth are all the cars going to park" added Cllr Morris