Epsom and Ewell Borough Councillors dismiss threat of Government intervention over local housing plan as 'scaremongering'

From July 2015: Why is the number of affordable homes built in Epsom and Ewell falling?

But councillors have fought back, claiming the warning is “scaremongering” and that plenty of housing is being developed in the borough.

From March 2016: Derelict Hollymoor Lane site in Epsom due for restoration six years after facelift first discussed

Local authorities were given until March 2017 to produce a Local Plan in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) before the Government steps in to write the plans for them.

And research carried out by consultancy Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners identified Epsom and Ewell Borough Council as one of 21 local planning authorities most at risk of intervention.

Adam Hesse, director of Aston Mead Land and Planning, (pictured above) a land brokers which analysed the research, said: “It’s absolutely incredible that with the deadline looming large on the horizon, so few councils have got their act together.

“By next year they will have had five years since the introduction of the NPPF – and yet the vast majority have still to come up with the goods.

“They have already been warned that if they fail to do so, the Government will intervene to arrange for the plan to be written for them, in consultation with local people.

“What’s more, they have also been told that if they have not kept the policies in their local plan up-to-date, they will be a high priority for intervention.”

The council is currently updating its Local Plan – a framework for future development in an area which local authorities are required to produce, and which acts as the starting point for considering whether applications can be approved.

Councillor Tina Mountain (pictured below) had said the borough was “desperately in need of homes” at a planning committee meeting at which plans for a new Aldi store in Alexandra Road, Epsom, were rejected.

Cllr Mountain also said “plenty” of housing was being developed.

Earlier this month plans were approved for 30 affordable homes to be built at Hollymoor Lane, Epsom, (pictured below) and further developments are being considered in Cox Lane, West Ewell, and Blenheim Road, Epsom.

She said: “There is plenty being done for development in Epsom. I think we have a very good core strategy.

“I think this is scaremongering by land-owners. We have plenty of spaces we can still build on.”

A council spokesman said: “Whilst the borough council is aware of the need to carry out further work in order to meet the Government’s requirements it is not failing in its duties and is among those authorities that are working hard to ensure that it continues to have a compliant Local Plan.”

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