Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Residents' Association, the majority group at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, has spoken to Times Radio this week about the crucial role of the council in finding the balance between preserving the unique character of the borough, safeguarding treasured and valuable green spaces, while providing much needed housing, including affordable housing.

Epsom & Ewell saw a 95% increase in homelessness approaches over the past 12 months* and the council’s highest temporary accommodation expenditure is around family sized households. It’s important to note that the most common cause of homelessness is eviction from a private rented tenancy (43%), with a further 24% having been living with family or friends who are no longer willing or able to accommodate them. There is also a significant percentage of households fleeing violence.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, in an interview about financial pressures the council faces around homelessness prevention**, also spoke to BBC Radio Surrey about the positive measures the council have put in place to support those at risk of homelessness in Epsom & Ewell, including liaising with their family and friends, negotiating with private sector landlords on their behalf, and assisting with deposits.

A critical document in shaping the future of the borough is the Local Plan. The council, in consultation with residents, is developing its plan, which sets out the priorities and policies for development in the borough including opportunities for jobs, improved transport, green spaces, and delivering new homes.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said, “Following the Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan Consultation last year, the council has been rigorously reviewing the consultation feedback and gathering further evidence to develop our Local Plan.

“We know how important it is to progress our borough’s Local Plan as quickly as possible. The local plan timetable, set out in our Local Development Scheme (2023), will ensure that the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee has the complete evidence base when they make their recommendation on the Pre-Submission Local Plan to Full Council, in November.

“The Submission Draft (Regulation 19) Consultation will take place at the earliest opportunity.”

Read the Epsom & Ewell Local Plan FAQs here: Local Plan FAQs | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council