THE INQUIRY IS OVER!! Updated 29th October

THE DECISION WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEEK COMMENCING 12 NOVEMBER

The two and a half day Public Inquiry with an Independent Planning Inspector concluded on 4th October at Reigate Town Hall. It was to hear the appeal by Churchill Retirement Living against the local planning authority’s refusal of plans to redevelop 5 detached houses at 1-9 Cross Road, Tadworth, into 49 sheltered apartments for the elderly.

This was the culmination of our 12 month campaign to fight this redevelopment, and we were delighted with the way we were able to put our evidence over, conduct our case and with what we perceived as the weakness of the developer’s case.

We were supported admirably by Gillian Hein of the TWRA, who presented solid evidence against the proposal, and by Councillor Michael Buttery, former Mayor John Chiles and local resident Deidre Walkling, who all spoke passionately in opposition to the development. The developer’s barrister even complimented us all on our professional approach.

STAG’s summing up argued that this development is “wholly inappropriate” :

• It is out of scale and character with it’s surroundings, being an unacceptably large mass of development

• It will adversely affect No.1 Ashurst Road (views supported by the Council)

• It will exacerbate problems with parking and congestion which will put the viability of our local traders in jeopardy

• There is an over-supply of retirement facilities in Tadworth

• It will set a precedent and lead to the “domino effect”

• It is “too much for this site in this location, the objectives of making more efficient use of land should not be at the expense of other objectives”.

The Inspector, Mr Anthony Thicket, gave us guidance and a very fair hearing throughout the process. He will now start his deliberations and make a ruling in early November; we fervently hope that the weight of evidence and overwhelming local opinion will encourage him to refuse this appeal.

STAG would like to thank :

• the many local Traders who have displayed posters, collected signatures and letters, and given support to our campaign in many ways

• the 5 witnesses who made statements and stood firm under cross examination

• the many anonymous donors and the TWRA for their large donation

• the many local professionals – planners, lawyers and others

• the media, in particular Southern Counties Radio who have followed the story throughout

• But above all, STAG would like to thank the public, who signed the petition, wrote nearly 900 letters to the Local Planning Authority and 595 letters to the Planning Inspector, made their views known and encouraged us all the way.