Playhouse rooftop heat pumps at Epsom Playhouse, Ashley Avenue, Epsom

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing existing roof equipment with six heat pumps, four condenser units and acoustic screening.

“The proposal involves the removal and replacement of existing air handling condensers on the roof of Epsom Playhouse with six air source heat pumps and four condenser units, to be housed within 1.8 metre high acoustic panelling.”

“Installation of four roof-mounted condenser units serving the theatre and air handling systems • Installation of 1.8m high acoustic screening surrounding the proposed equipment • Installation of associated pipework, ductwork and ancillary plant…”

Officer report

The site and its history

The Playhouse is a public entertainment venue in the town centre, attached to a listed building and adjacent to a conservation area; no material planning history was identified.

“The site is Epsom Playhouse, a public entertainment venue located on a corner junction with South Street and Ashely Avenue. Access to the building is gains via Ashley Avenue. The site is located within Epsom Town Centre and surrounded by a mix of commercial and residential premises.”

“Built Up Area • Town Centre • Attached to Grade II Listed Building (47-51 South Street) • Adjacent to Epsom Town Conservation Area • Archaeological Site • Bat Survey Area • Site of Special Scientific Interest Risk Area • Great Crested Newt Impact Zone (low habitat suitability) • Source Protection Area (Inner)”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would improve energy efficiency and support the community facility, while heritage harm would be outweighed by public benefits.

“The proposal would modernise the existing building services infrastructure and improve the Playhouse’s energy efficiency, thereby contributing to the long-term operation of an important community facility. The proposal would also contribute towards the Council’s Net Zero objectives and reduce the building’s reliance on fossil fuels.”

“The site is attached to a Grade II listed building and lies adjacent to the Epsom Town Conservation Area and the proposed development would cause less than substantial harm to the setting and significance of surrounding heritage assets. Notwithstanding this, although great weight has been given to the conservation of the affected designated heritage asset, this limited harm is outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme.”

Officer report

Heritage and noise issues

Officers found negligible, less-than-substantial harm to the listed building’s setting, no conservation-area harm, and said noise could be controlled by conditions.

“The special interest of this listed building is primarily experienced from the South Street streetscene and the proposed developments would not be visible from this view. Whilst limited public views of the proposed development in context with the roof of the Listed Building may be achievable from the top of the Ashley Centre Car Park, the harm to the setting and significance/special interest of 47- 51 South Street from the increase in plant and machinery on the roof…”

“This negligible harm caused to the setting and significance of the Grade II Listed Building would be less than substantial. In accordance with paragraph 215 of the NPPF, this harm must be weighed against any public benefits associated with the proposal. Great weight should be given to the heritage asset’s conservation, irrespective of the scale of harm identified.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The Conservation Officer raised no objection, Environmental Health raised no objection subject to a condition, and no public submissions were received.

“Consultee Comments Internal Consultees Conservation Officer No objection Environmental Health Officer No objection subject to condition Public Consultation Neighbours The application was advertised by means of a site notice displayed on 10.06.2026, a press notice printed in the local paper, and notification to 46 neighbouring properties, concluding on 02 July 2026. No submissions were received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee received an officer presentation from the Planning Development Team Leader, and there was no public speaking.

The committee decision

Councillors Robert Leach and Neil Dallen proposed and seconded agreement with the officer recommendation, and the committee granted permission by eight votes.

“Epsom and Ewell Borough Council The Committee received a presentation on the application from the Planning Development Team Leader. Public Speaking: There was no public speaking on the application. Decision: Following consideration, Councillor Robert Leach proposed a motion that the Officer recommendation be agreed. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Neil Dallen.”

Minutes