Appeal Decision 23-33 Great Tattenhams issued by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS)
Update: Inspectorate decision quoshed by government citing technical reasons. Appeal process will be restarted.
Appeal Ref: APP/L3625/W/21/3271345
23-33 Great Tattenhams, Epsom Downs, KT18 5RF
Developer’s appeal granted, overturning the council’s refusal decision, and they now have permission to proceed.
Response from the Residents Association
We have just received the result of the appeal submitted by the developer and are shocked and very disappointed that the Inspector has overturned the Council’s refusal decision and allowed it on appeal.
The scheme will replace 6 bungalows with 39 flats in four large blocks, with substantial hardstanding for parking.
The Inspector states that the development would be substantially larger, with “greater site coverage, height, depth and overall bulk.” He states “the blocks would be at odds with the prevailing size of dwellings in the immediate locality.” He acknowledges too concerns about overlooking, but sets them aside.
Whilst controversial decisions are not unheard of, this one goes against the Council’s Development Management Plan (DMP) which has itself been exhaustively examined by the Planning Inspectorate and agreed by them. The Inspector even acknowledges that the development does not comply with the DMP, but goes on to conclude that “the proposed development would result in localised and limited harm to the character and appearance of the area”.
Clearly all planning applications affect the LOCAL area and our planning policies are there to protect LOCAL areas! The location on one of the main through roads in the ward means the impact will be very noticeable and hardly limited.
The Inspector approved the development so it follows the Government’s aim of significantly boosting the supply of homes”. This ignores the fact that Reigate & Banstead are well ahead of the target set by Government, and our area in particular has had over 500 new homes on the de Burgh site and the many infill cul de sacs. There is a massive shortage of social housing and the Inspector sanctioned this scheme without any social housing at all – contrary to Government targets.
We fear this decision will be used by developers in the future as a precedent.
The council are considering their legal position and the Residents Association and your local councillors are encouraging them to do so. We have involved our MP as well. We would appreciate your support too.
Action Please – What you can do –
Relevant information and contacts
Read the original Planning Application Refusal here
Read the Planning Application Appeal decision
Email your MP Chris Grayling : chris.grayling.mp@parliament.uk
Email the Planning Department of the Council: planning.applications@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
quoting reference APP/L3625/W/21/3271345
How to contact your local councillor
Cllr. Jill Bray – email: cllr.bray@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Cllr. Bob Harper – email: cllr.harper@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Cllr. Nick Harrison – email: cllr.harrison@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
