First sign of progress - consultation on Upper High Street extended
26th July 2012
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An extension to the consultation period for the Upper High Street’s re-development has been hailed as the "first sign of progress" by Epsom’s campaign coalition.

Epsom and Ewell council announced on Friday - the original end date for the consultation - that the planning brief for the site, which includes options for parking, new housing and a food store, will remain open until September 21.

The move has been welcomed by campaigners who held a rally on July 7, calling for a pause in the consultation process and the setting up of a neighbourhood forum to help develop a new local plan to protect the character of Epsom.

Councillor Michael Arthur, chairman of the planning policy committee, said: "We have had a lot of responses since the consultation went live on June 1 and following increased interest and feedback, we have decided to extend the consultation period.

"We need the views of all local residents, businesses and communities.

"Earlier this year, the council consulted on a series of possible options for the development of Upper High Street, Depot Road and Church Street.

"Your views have helped shape this draft development brief that sets out the

Chris Grayling MP, who is leading the campaign coalition, welcomed "this very positive step forward".

He said: "The borough is now realising the strength of feeling locally about what is going on in the town.

"The mistakes made over the station development mean there is now little confidence that the council will get other big decisions right, and so it is really important that local people are given more time to influence key decisions about the future of the town."

Read full article by Hardeep Matharu at yourlocalguardian

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