An attempt by bosses to build an 85-bedroom hotel in Epsom has been given the boot by councillors.

Travelodge managers had applied for the hotel to be constructed at The Parade in the town centre.

But councillors last week rejected the plan on the basis the building would be too large and would exacerbate existing parking problems.

Chairman of the planning committee Councillor Graham Dudley said the vote had been unanimous.

At the meeting members of campaign group Help, which was formed by residents of Hereford Close, Heathcote Road, Laburnum Road and The Parade in response to planning issues, hailed the decision as a small victory.

A spokesman said: “However, we remain on high alert for other developments which might encroach on an already well-developed town centre.”

More than 60 people wrote letters in objection to Travelodge’s Epsom plans, which were part of a £77m expansion plan to create another 1,443 rooms at sites across the country from London to Liverpool.

The new hotel would have been in competition with the new Holiday Inn Express on Epsom Downs, which charges from £70 per night, and the two Premier Inns in the borough, which charge from £77 per room during the week and £65 at the weekend.

Travelodge, which aims to be the largest hotelier in London by the 2012 Olympics, charges from £19 per night across its 26,400 hotel room portfolio.

Travelodge spokesman Nick Dines said: “Naturally we are disappointed with the decision and we are awaiting the minutes from the committee meeting with keen interest.

“We are still eager to come to Epsom and will be engaging with the council to explain the economic benefits that Travelodge will bring to the town.”

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