Comrades Club Appeal is Dismissed

Residents were horrified at the prospect of an 82-bed hotel in The Parade, next door to the Town Hall, and the council's decision to refuse planning permission has now been supported by the Planning Inspectorate.

Any planning applicant is able to Appeal against the council's decision if they feel it is wrong. For the most part, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council get their decisions right, so any Appeal is "dismissed". If the Planning Inspector (appointed by central government) feels that the Borough Council's decision was wrong, they can "allow" the Appeal.

The major concern about the Comrades Club planning application was the lack of parking - just a handful of parking bays were included. Arguments were put forward that those using a hotel in the centre of town would not be using cars and parking was therefore not needed. Lib Dems felt that was a statement which grossly underestimated the reality of those who might use a town centre 82-bed hotel.

Cllr Alison Kelly who led the objections to the original planning application said "I'm delighted that the Inspector has seen sense. It was just the wrong place for a hotel. We do need to consider tourism and commercial opportunities for our borough though, particularly tourism - Epsom and Ewell are steeped in history and we must be able to accommodate visitors who need somewhere to stay."