Decision Deferred on 82 bed Hotel

The Planning Committee has deferred a decision on an application to build an 82 bed hotel on the site of the Comrades Club in The Parade. The issue is likely to come back for decision in December and the developer has accepted the delay.

A packed public gallery heard from a resident, representing numerous others, who objected to the application for reasons which included the lack of parking. A representative from Travelodge also spoke in support of the application.

Councillors, bar one, were united in wanting a deferral in order to acquire more detailed information on several issues some of which were

* where hotel guests would park and how they would be directed to the hotel

* the mass and design of the building

* the siting and appearance of a plant/services room on the top of the building

* arrangements for servicing the building and delivery vehicles

* the amount of "developer contribution" to the council which would mitigate the environmental impact of the development.

Another Travelodge is currently under construction as part of the Epsom Station redevelopment. Coincidentally, signs associated with the Station Travelodge were also on the agenda of the same meeting.