A public inquiry was held in August into the decisions of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to refuse planning approval for Guild Living plans for a high storey, high density, urban retirement community within Epsom. 

Two separate applications for Guild Living’s proposals for the ex-hospital land in Epsom were submitted to the Council’s Planning Committee. On both occasions, councillors refused planning approval. Guild Living exercised their right to appeal against the Council’s refusal of both applications to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.  
 
An Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State undertook a virtual public inquiry. The decision of the inspector was to reject one appeal and allow the second appeal. This means that the development can now proceed.

Following the judgement, the Council issued the following statement

We are obviously disappointed with this judgement, which we believe dismisses local residents’ concerns.

However the appeal decision demonstrates that the council was justified in rejecting the much taller and more invasive proposal.

We would like to thank the individuals and groups that came forward at the Public inquiry to support the council’s decision to refuse the two planning applications.

While the judgement allows the slightly lower development to now take place, planning conditions have been set by the inspectorate. The council is responsible for enforcing these.

We will also seek to work with Guild Living in order to mitigate any disturbance and inconvenience to local residents during construction.