Woodcote (Epsom) Residents Society has succeeded in persuading Epsom Council’s Planning Committee to reject a proposed downgrading of the appearance and quality of a residential scheme planned at Langley Bottom Farm.
The 20 unit residential scheme in the Green Belt was permitted on appeal in 2022 by a Government appointed Planning Inspector. Whilst this was a disappointing outcome for local residents at least the residential scheme was carefully designed to fit into the farmyard setting.
The developer recently has sought to amend the scheme, undoubtedly motivated by cost savings, which would have resulted in a more utilitarian, standard urban housing scheme unsuited for a countryside setting.
A combination of WERS written objections and a persuasive presentation by Cllr Liz Frost on behalf of local residents at the Planning Committee meeting ensured that the amended scheme was refused permission despite Planning officers recommending approval.