RAC private members' club given green light for greenbelt estate

But they blocked plans for two new homes to fund repairs on the site.

At a meeting of Epsom Council’s planning committee, councillors considered whether to approve proposals by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) to build a motor heritage wing, destination spa, golf driving range and children’s swimming pool as part of a £24m redevelopment of Woodcote Park in Epsom.

The club, which also has a Pall Mall club house, was founded in 1897 by the RAC but no longer has any connection with the breakdown service which was sold in 1999.

Councillors also considered a linked planning application for two homes on land owned by the RAC in the Ridge to fund repairs to a Grade II listed derelict wall and cottage.

Both were recommended for approval by council officers.

Although the planning committee voted to approve redevelopment of the site, they rejected plans for the two homes as unacceptable development in the greenbelt, remaining unconvinced that the homes are required for the restoration work.

Presenting the main planning application to councillors, Mark Berry, Epsom Council’s head of planning, said one of its main objectives was "to secure the future of the club on this site".

But he added: "The impact on the greenbelt is the point of major concern from objectors and other parties alike."

Tom Purves, RAC chairman, said that, as the country home of the second-oldest motoring club in the world, "Woodcote is a site of national importance" and the redevelopment was required to keep the RAC financially viable.

He said the "club’s facilities have not changed much in many years" and spoke of the "uninspiring scene on arrival" at the club.

"This scheme forms part of our 10-year strategy and this planning application is the result of substantial amendments and compromises," he added.

All councillors on the planning committee, except Labour councillor Sheila Carlson who voted against – gave approval for the redevelopment.

In a meeting which lasted until midnight, most councillors agreed with the premise of the application as a whole.

Residents’ Association (RA) councillor Mike Teasdale said: "I have no problem with this application.

"It will keep a good employer in Epsom for a significant period of time."

While RA councillor Clive Smitheram said he was appalled by the state of the walled garden he said, overall, it was "a good plan".

RA councillor Ian Booker agreed: "Yes it’s on greenbelt land and I have got worries about greenbelt land but in this instance, I am quite happy to accept."

RA councillor John Beckett said the new red-brick extension to the club would complement the existing club house better than the current extension as it would be of the same colour.

An artist's impression of the redevelopment on the RAC's greenbelt estate in Woodcote Park

For RA councillor Michael Arthur, the application was the result of "a great deal of negotiation" and he found it "an acceptable scheme".

RA councillor Graham Dudley added: "It’s taken the owner and the council four years to get to this position.

"It’s acceptable. I have no reason whatsoever to object to this application."

Coun Carlson did not agree.

"I am very worried that we are going to set aside and set a precedent that the greenbelt isn’t as sacrosanct as we have always said it is," she said.

"I think we are dismissing some of the concerns raised by English Heritage at our peril.

"I am very, very concerned about this application being taken as a whole."

The redevelopment will now be referred to Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, who can either "call-in" the decision for further consideration or allow Epsom Council’s approval of the application.

This is because development in the greenbelt goes against Epsom Council’s local plan.

Speaking after the meeting, Miles Wade, RAC secretary, said that, following the committee’s refusal for the two homes, the club "will now be considering how best to proceed".

He said: "We have worked very closely with the council and are extremely pleased that planning permission has been approved for our development which will secure the long-term future of the RAC in Epsom.

"We have done much over the years to conserve the historic clubhouse and parkland of the estate and now have the opportunity to develop our facilities sensitively at the same time as providing stable employment prospects.

"We acknowledge the planning committee’s decision not to approve the proposal to develop our plots on the Ridge which would have enabled the restoration of the listed wall and gardener’s cottage, and will now be considering how to best to proceed."

Surrey County Councillor Tina Mountain, who represents Epsom Town and Downs, and opposed plans for the two new homes in the Ridge, said after the meeting that the refusal of this application "was a great victory".

"I am very pleased.  I thought last night was a defining moment in the future of Epsom," she said.

"The main application is also a little controversial.  

"I believe sports premises should be allowed to expand, they can't be left to become stagnant.  But English Heritage wasn't happy with the extension."

Do you agree with approval of the redevelopment or will it be setting a dangerous precedent with regards to the greenbelt?

Let us know by emailing letters@epsomguardian.co.uk