A housing association is planning to demolish an “eye sore” water tower after most neighbours said they wanted it knocked down.

London and Quadrant (L&Q) Housing Association, which owns the 12-storey Horton Water Tower, in Cavendish Walk, Epsom, has appointed a planning consultant to investigate whether it can tear down the controversial building and replace it with plants and trees.

Project co-ordinator Lorna Miller told councillors a questionnare to nearby residents found that demolition was “by far the most favourable option”, although some have argued it should remain untouched because of its history and character.

Campaigners calling for the housing association to bulldoze the tower were planning to protest outside its headquarters.

Liberal Democrat Councillor David Buxton said: "This is the light at the end of the tunnel that residents have wanted for such a long time, but we won't assume it's all over until the residents get what they need, so we'll be keeping up the pressure on L&Q.

"I think the council has learned it's lesson on this one - the water towers on the other estates need to be restored and developed before the surrounding houses are built, or else demolished straight away."

Residents on the Livingstone Park estate complained the water tower, which was built in 1902 as part of Horton Hospital, blocked out light and was a magnet for antisocial behaviour.

Two troublemakers broke into the derelict building in August and threw stones from the roof. A crowd gathered at the bottom and called the police, fearing the intruders were attempting to commit suicide.

Epsom and Ewell Council refused planning permission last year for the tower to be converted into a residential block with a twelve-storey extension.

Councillor Colin Taylor, who represents Epsom and Ewell south-west on Surrey County Council, said: "When the master plan for Livingstone Park was approved some years ago, I queried whether the council's plan to retain this water tower was viable.

“At the time mine was a lone voice, but it seems I may be about to be proved right."