A controversial application to extend Epsom Rail Station construction hours to evenings, nights and weekends will be dealt with by councillors next month, after they turned down the option of letting officers decide.

The application made by Solum Regeneration, which is responsible for the major re-development of Epsom Station, was debated at an Epsom and Ewell Council Planning Committee meeting last month.

Council officers were seeking permission from councillors to decide on the application themselves, before the consultation period with residents was over.

However, the majority of councillors sitting at the committee decided that would not be a “democratic” way to decide.

Emma Paul, speaking at the meeting on behalf of the Epsom Taxi Rank Association and local residents against the extension of working hours, stressed the fact that there was never a full 21-day consultation for the amendment to the application.

Labour Coucillor Sheila Carlson said: “We have a consultation here that has not finished yet. It’s only reasonable that that consultation period is allowed to run properly.”

Residents’ Association Councillor Neil Dallen raised concerns about the application and how it was being addressed by the council.

He said: “We are hearing this (request for extension of hours) before the consultation period has expired. I suspect that they (Solum Regeneration) just want to push it through. I think it’s very poor and I agree with this speaker (Emma Paul) who said we should not agree with it tonight.”

Residents from Horsley Close delivered a petition with 215 signatures to the council to object to the extension of construction times.

Solum Regeneration is refurbishing Epsom Station, which will get a 64-bedroom hotel, new shops, residences and 67 car parking spaces.

The application will now be dealt with at the next Planning Committee meeting, on October 7.