Rear office outbuilding at The Horton Arts Centre Haven Way, Epsom

What was proposed

The application proposed a single-storey detached rear office outbuilding measuring 4 metres by 5 metres, with an associated access pathway.

“The proposal involves the following works:”

“Erection of a single-storey rear outbuilding (garden office), measuring 4m x 5m with a height of 2.8m • Associated access pathway…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a 1.22-hectare arts centre in a conservation area, centred on a converted Grade II listed former chapel.

“The site is located within the Horton Conservation Area, just over one mile north of Epsom town centre. The converted former chapel on the site is Grade II listed and was built in 1901. It is yellow brick in English bond with red-brick bands and dressings, ashlar dressings, and a slate roof which was fully refurbished in 2019. It is a Grade II Listed Building.”

“The site is 1.22 hectares and is fenced throughout. It is located off Haven Way and has a boundary of approximately 240m with this unclassified road. The main entrance to the site is from this road, and the site can be categorised into three main parts: the Horton Arts Centre’s main building in the centre, a car and cycle park to the west, and a dense, mature wooded area to the east.”

Officer report

Heritage and landscaping

The office would cause some harm to the chapel’s setting, but its location, screening, landscaping and removal requirement would limit the effect.

“The proposed office building would result in a degree of harm to the setting of the Listed Building by virtue of its proximity, which would reduce the detached character of the former chapel and impede views of its north-west elevation. Although there is harm to the setting, there would be no actual physical harm to the listed building as this would be an independent structure.”

“Visual Amenity and Heritage Impact: This is the only viable location where the outbuilding remains virtually screened from public view and entirely obscured from the public highway. By being situated to the rear, the proposal preserves the key sightlines and the principal elevations of the Grade II listed chapel.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Ecology Officer raised no objection, the Conservation Officer accepted the location subject to conditions, and no neighbour submissions or ward member comments were received.

“Consultee Comments Ecology Officer No objection. The building that the application applies to, has in the past been found to be a bat roost. However, due to the scale and location of the proposal no further survey or mitigation is required. Conservation Officer Some harm to the setting is noted but there is no in-principle objection, subject to (pre-commencement) conditions. Public Consultation…”

“Consultee Comments Neighbours The application was advertised by means of a site notice, press notice, and notification to nine neighbouring properties, concluding on 16 December 2025. No submissions were received. Ward Member No comments were received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee received a presentation from the Planning Officer.

The committee vote

Councillor Chinn proposed agreeing with the officer recommendation, Councillor Neale seconded it, and seven members voted in favour while the Chair did not vote.

“Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Approval, subject to conditions and informatives. Officer Presentation: The Committee received a presentation on the application from the Planning Officer. Decision: Following consideration, Councillor Chinn proposed a motion that the Officer recommendation be agreed. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Neale.”

Minutes