The Planning and Regulatory Committee of Surrey County Council met on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, to discuss two applications related to the Epsom Chalk Pit site. The committee granted planning permission for a surface water drainage system and approved amendments to a previous planning permission for a materials recycling facility.

Installation of Surface Water Drainage System at Chalk Pit, College Road, Epsom

The committee considered a part-retrospective application for the installation of a surface water drainage system at the Epsom Chalk Pit site, located on College Road. This system, which includes a soakaway, petrol interceptor, and silt trap, is intended to serve the adjacent Skippet site. The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) raised no objection, subject to conditions regarding installation and maintenance. The Environment Agency also raised no objection concerning groundwater protection.

During the discussion, concerns were raised by Steve, representing local residents, about the potential for groundwater contamination due to the site's location over a principal aquifer and within Source Protection Zone 3. Steve proposed two additional conditions: a formal verification by an independent engineer and an enforceable maintenance and audit condition. Charlotte Parker, an officer, advised that these conditions were not recommended by the LLFA or the Environment Agency, who were satisfied with the existing proposed conditions. However, the committee ultimately voted to amend the recommendation to include a condition for a verification report to confirm the correct installation of the system. The vote was five in favour, two abstentions, and one against the amended recommendation.

Amendments to Materials Recycling Facility at Chalk Pit, College Road, Epsom

The committee also considered a Section 73 application to vary conditions on a previous planning permission for a materials recycling facility at the Epsom Chalk Pit site. The application sought to regularise changes made to the building configurations, including altered footprints, an external staircase, repositioned entrances, and changes to cladding. It also addressed the relocation of the mechanical screening equipment, parking arrangements, and electric vehicle charging points.

Susie, representing the applicant, addressed concerns about noise, stating that existing noise measurements indicated the facility was operating within required limits and that the proposed condition for roller shutter doors to remain closed would provide a significant additional safeguard. Steve, representing local residents, objected, arguing that the changes represented unauthorized development and that the repositioning of noisy machinery into Building 1, with doors facing residential properties, would increase noise and dust impacts. He proposed an independent acoustic compliance verification.

The committee discussed the implications of the changes, with Louise Morales highlighting the need for waste sorting facilities due to new government regulations. Ernest Mallett MBE emphasised that the site was an established industrial area and that the application was regularising existing operations. Cameron McIntosh raised a question about the enforceability of EV charging points located off-site, which officers confirmed were considered enforceable.

Ultimately, the committee unanimously approved the application with amended conditions, including the requirement for roller shutter doors to remain closed during operational hours, except when HGVs are entering or leaving the buildings. The amended Condition 4 was also approved, requiring the implementation and maintenance of the surface water drainage system as detailed in the approved documents.

The next meeting of the Planning and Regulatory Committee was scheduled for 23 September 2026.