Nine commercial units at The Looe, Reigate Road, Ewell

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing two commercial buildings and replacing them with nine units, parking, cycle spaces, landscaping, solar panels and a security hut.

“The proposal involves the following works:”

“The demolition of two single storey buildings containing 17 commercial units • The erection of a part single/part two storey building containing nine commercial units with solar panels on the roof • Car parking for 16 vehicles, with access and turning space • Cycle parking for 18 bikes • Ancillary works including hard and soft landscaping and boundary treatments • Siting of a single storey security and plant hut…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contained 17 commercial units in a mixed-use area, accessed from Reigate Road and surrounded by homes, commercial premises and a garden centre.

“The site lies within a mixed-use area and contains 17 single storey commercial units comprising a mix of Class E(c)(iii) (Office), Class B2 (General Industrial) and Class B2 (Storage and Distribution) uses. It is accessed via an 80m long access road which connects the site to the A240 Reigate Road, which in turn connects to the A24 to the north and the A217 to the south.”

“Green Belt • Site of Special Scientific Interest Risk Area • Great Crested Newt Impact Zone (low habitat suitability) • Bat Survey Area • Surrey Waste and Mineral Site • Potentially contaminated Land • Flood Zone 1 • Critical Drainage Area (part of site) • Classified A Road…”

Officer report

Consultees and residents

Consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while residents raised access, drainage, asbestos and boundary concerns and one submission supported the scheme.

“Consultee Comments External Consultees Surrey Minerals and Waste No objection subject to condition County Highway Authority No objection subject to condition Lead Local Flood Authority No objection subject to condition Surrey Archaeology Does not meet the criteria for archology assessment. No archaeological concerns.”

“Concerns regarding the position of the proposed security/plant building impeding maintenance and repair of boundary wall shared with Priestmere Cottage • Concerns regarding the demolition of the building on boundary with asbestos • Concerns regarding maintaining boundary treatments.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No speakers registered, and the Planning Development Team Leader presented the application and gave a verbal update about a condition numbering error.

Committee discussion

Councillor Kate Chinn proposed agreeing the officer recommendation, Councillor Liz Frost seconded it, and the proposal included the report updates.

“Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Public Speaking: No speakers registered to speak on this application. Decision: Following consideration, Councillor Kate Chinn proposed a motion that the Officer recommendation be agreed as set out in the main report, and as updated in the update report, and as verbally updated by the Planning Development Team Leader during her presentation. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Liz Frost.”

Minutes

The vote

The Committee unanimously resolved to grant planning permission subject to a unilateral undertaking, conditions and informatives.

“PART B If the Unilateral Undertaking referred to in Part A is not completed by 26 May 2026, the Head of Place Development is authorised to refuse the application for the following reason: In the absence of a completed legal obligation to secure appropriate BNG delivery and monitoring, the applicant has failed to comply with Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Section 13 of the NPPF require delivery of biodiversity net gain Policy CS3 of the CS and Policy…”

Minutes