Residents previously “united in anger” are now celebrating after an appeal against the council’s decision to throw out a controversial planning application for four houses on a small strip of green space was dismissed.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council rejected the plans for four houses to be built on a clearing in Links Road, Epsom last July.

Developer and former resident of the road, Keith Madders then appealed the decision, but a Government officer this month dismissed the appeal as it did not meet housing land supply requirements.

Campaigners from about 50 households in or near Links Road had vowed to fight the application and subsequent appeal to build the houses.

From June 2016: Epsom residents "united in anger" at application for houses in green space in Links Road

They argued the development would have destroyed a habitat for badgers, birds and mature trees, impinge on their right to privacy, cause an ongoing disturbance during construction, result in a loss of valued green space, and put a strain on local schools and hospitals.

Surrey Comet:
The clearing in Links Road, Epsom

Jasper Ehrardt, a managing director of a financial services business who has lived in Links Road for four years, had previously told the Epsom Guardian he and his neighbours were “united in anger” against the application.

But this week he said: “The neighbours are delighted at the decision, given the fact that the proposed application was totally inappropriate in size and scale for the setting.”

The council had rejected the application because, they argued, it would have harmed the character of the area and would have been noisy.

And this month, an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid concluded that the houses would be cramped on such a small strip of land and that construction would lead to pressure to fell trees to create enough natural light for residents.

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