Lord Halifax rejected once again

The historic riding school at the Durdans

In early 2009 Lord Halifax, owner of the Durdans stables, failed in an attempt to get planning permission to convert the site from its historic equestrian use to a mixed residential and commercial use. We were told at the time of that application that the need to change use was because the site was no longer fit for equestrian purposes. His lordship produced thick, glossy and no doubt very expensive reports from "professional experts" backing up this contention which was bitterly contested by opponents of that application who included myself.

It was therefore ironic that rather soon after the application was rejected that the remarketing of the site produced a Mr. Buckman who has taken on a 125 lease for equestrian purposes namely race horse training and livery.

Yesterday evening two separate applications relating to the site came before the borough's planning committee. For the first time in my council career I was sitting as a member of that committee. The first application was from Mr. Buckman seeking permission for various changes that would allow him to operate a modern equestrian business on this historic site. This application was agreed with some enthusiasm as for the first time in a long time we can see the prospect of a successful equestrian use being made of the site.

The second application came from Lord Halifax. His lordship had excluded part of the site from the lease agreement with Mr. Buckman and last night proposed to demolish stables on it and build houses. I spoke and voted against this application. The Borough has planning policies protecting equestrian land and there seemed no good reason why that protection shouldn't apply in this case. In fact the only reason advanced for this application seemed to be to allow Lord Halifax to make more money than he otherwise would. Not a valid planning reason. This land is within the Chalk Lane conservation area and a change of use would clearly change the ambience of the area. Indeed the council in a planning document back in January this year described similar developments in the past as "regrettable". Moreover the proposed housing was unattractively close to neighbouring properties.

This land can still be used for equestrian purposes. The papers for last night's meeting suggest that there is increased demand partly due to the Olympics. Perhaps it would be best for Lord Halifax to put aside any thoughts of future residential development and concentrate on what is possible.

Durdans application defeated

On 28th January the Planning Committee of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council rejected Lord Halifax's application to convert the historic Durdans stables into residential and office accommodation. One Residents' Association councillor voted in favour of the application.

This result was the culmination of a huge campaign in my ward and across the Borough against the plans. Local Resident Tina Mountain organised for a petition to be delivered to every household in Woodcote ward. The response was massive. Various petitions raised over 3,000 signatures.

With Tina I organised a public meeting at the Town Hall which was well attended and addressed by our Member of Parliament, Chris Grayling. As a result of that meeting Woodcote Conservatives delivered a note to every resident in the area encouraging them to write in objecting to the application and setting out the valid planning objections that could be made. Close to 300 letters were received.

I am not a member of the planning committee, but I attended the meeting and used my right to speak as a local councillor. I attacked Lord Halifax for allowing the property to fall into disrepair and then trying to use that as an excuse to abandon its equestrian usage. I mocked the transport survey that the applicant had presented as being entirely unbelievable to those who know the area.

The fight, unfortunately, is not over. Lord Halifax has the right to appeal and the council continues to refuse to use its enforcement powers in relation to the condition of the buildings. We will continue to keep a watchful eye over the site.