Plans to redevelop the ‘Chalk Pit’ site on College Road in Epsom have been met by a fierce backlash from residents in the area after they were submitted last month.
A petition (click here) titled ‘Stop the Epsom Mineral Waste Recycling Plant Planning Permission‘ set up by opponents of the proposals has so far gained over 3,500 signatures, with groups including Epsom Civil Society and Ewell Downs Residents Association speaking out.
Residents opposing the proposals have voiced concerns about noise and air pollution, and about a type of ‘silica’ dust they fear might be produced by new development and work on the site.
The petition for example states that the owners of the site have “brought increased noise from high volume of haulage traffic and machinery, but most significantly, dust pollution causing issues for local schools and residents, and the green belt environment”.
Further, it claims that the form of dust pollution in question is something known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS) or ‘silica’, which has been linked to several serious health issues.
In a statement opposing the plans for development at the site, Epsom and Ewell Labour Party’s Mark Todd claimed the proposals could lead to adverse effects for the community.
“Tim Oliver and the Surrey Conservatives must immediately investigate this potentially dangerous mineral recycling plant now,” he said.
“Many local residents have grave concerns over this shocking proposal to start mineral recycling next to homes and schools in Epsom.
“We call on the Surrey Conservatives, who are in charge of the planning process, to immediately commit to stopping the proposal if residents’ concerns turn out to be true.
“I also call on Surrey County Council to do a full review of the site’s other activities to ensure that it is safe for local residents and have any dangerous activities moved out straight away,” Todd added.
Chris Grayling, MP
“The Environment Agency have stepped up their monitoring and rule enforcement at the site. They have already issued a number of breach notices against the users of the site and have begun the processes to take stronger action if the problems continue. Those problems have not all gone away yet though, and I am keeping in contact with local residents and the Environment Agency team to make sure that improvement action continues. I will also continue to press the County to reject the retrospective planning application for the current use.”
Update from Chris Graying, issued June 16th
“I know many people remain extremely concerned about the noise and dust nuisance coming from the Chalk Pit in College Road, Epsom at the moment. I have been working with local residents on the issue and pushing the Environment Agency to act. I have had several meetings with the Agency and they have been working through a formal process which I hope will reach a resolution in the next few days. Please keep updating me if you experience serious noise or dust from the site.”