The Epsom and Ewel Planning Committee approved application 25/00368/FUL at Swail House, Ashley Road, Epsom KT18 5AZ on 10 September 2026.
The scheme involves demolishing the existing community rooms and caretaker’s cottage and replacing them with two four-storey flat-roofed buildings containing 48 affordable housing units, alongside a new combined bin and cycle store. The proposal was considered a major redevelopment and was supported as a way of making better use of a brownfield site to meet an identified need for specialist accommodation for people with disabilities.
Although the development would replace existing accommodation and result in the loss of four units, officers concluded that it would deliver modern, accessible, and purpose-designed homes that better meet current standards and the needs of future residents. The scheme would be secured as affordable housing in perpetuity through a Section 106 agreement covering rent levels, occupancy criteria, and management arrangements.
The committee noted some harm to the significance of the non-designated heritage asset, Swail House, but judged that the public benefits outweighed that harm. The committee also acknowledged tree loss, including the removal of 15 individual trees, two tree groups, part of another group, and one hedgerow, but this would be offset by 22 new trees and wider landscaping, contributing to visual improvement and biodiversity net gain.
The approved accommodation also met internal space and amenity standards, supported by communal garden areas and a woodland walk
© 2026 UK Property Forums. All rights reserved.
This article and its contents are the intellectual property of UK Property Forums and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in any form without prior written permission. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not constitute legal or professional advice.
