Epsom

Epsom residents concerned about their Green Belt

What stops Epsom’s built-up areas merging into nearby communities such as Ashtead is the ‘green lungs’ that make up Surrey’s Green Belt.

These areas are in place to stop towns and villages encroaching on one another so that they lose their identify and decimate the areas that are so valued for recreational purposes.

The Local Plan put forward by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is causing dismay among residents as it signals an intention to build on the Green Belt, as there is not enough ‘brownfield’ land available for meeting what the council regards as local needs.

In reality there is never enough land to satisfy demand from those in London seeking the country life and moving south to Epsom, so the LibDems want to concentrate on finding social housing solutions to meet acute demand for housing.

Similarly, the local economy remains a concern. For example, shops in Epsom High Street continue to be under pressure with well known brands finding it difficult to sustain their businesses in the town.