Picture credit:  Solum Regeneration.  Picture shows image of the rejected proposed development next to Redhill Station.

A planning inquiry has dismissed the developer’s appeal to build two high rise tower blocks next to Redhill Station. 

Solum Regeneration appealed against Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s decision to refuse a planning application in 2024.  The planning inspector ruled that proposals for 255 new homes and the redevelopment of Redhill railway station would have a negative effect on the character of the area, mainly due to the development’s excessive height. 

The Redhill Residents’ Action Group said their additional evidence including accessibility, safety and traffic helped strengthen the case that the scheme was “not a sustainable development”.

Photo credit:  Tracey Franklin.  Photo shows Solum Regeneration’s display at The Belfry Shopping Centre in January 2023.

Photo above credit: Tracey Franklin

The Redhill Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) opened today in The Belfry Shopping Centre.

CDCs are healthcare facilities that offer tests, scans and checks in community settings.  They aim to reduce pressure on hospitals and give patients quicker and more convenient access to tests.  Among the services offered are Echocardiograms, CT scans and X-rays.  Appointments at the Centre are made through a referral from a GP or healthcare professional.

Other Community Diagnostic Centres are already in place at Crawley Hospital and the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.

Photo above credit:  The Belfry

Photo credit:  Surrey County Council.  Photo shows voting by Councillors at the East Surrey Voluntary Joint Committee.

Local councillors in Surrey have come together for the first time as committees to lay the foundations for Local Government reorganisation. 

Surrey County Council and the eleven district and borough councils are reorganising into two new unitary authorities – West Surrey Council and East Surrey Council.  The East Surrey Voluntary Joint Committee met last week in Reigate, and a similar Committee for West Surrey met in Woking.  Both committees agreed to the development of an implementation plan for the new councils, and will continue to meet monthly at different locations within their areas. 

In May residents will elect councillors to serve on the new councils which will initially be ‘shadow authorities’ tasked with setting up the new organisations.  From April 2027, they’ll officially take over the delivery of local services in each area.

Photo credit: Surrey County Council.  Photo shows Councillors from the East Surrey Voluntary Joint Committee.