Green space safe from redevelopment after campaign

A council-owned green space has been saved from redevelopment and will be open to the public, campaigners have said.

Grafton Stables in Epsom had been at the centre of a local campaign to stop its sale for development after Surrey County Council put the land on the market in January.

But now the 13.5 acres of open green space will be handed over to the council's countryside team to be managed as a public green space.

Julie Willis, who lives alongside Grafton Stables, said the outcome was "incredible", adding she was "beyond thrilled".

Surrey County Council previously said the land had "significant potential for residential development" with space for up to 40 homes on the site, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Two petitions were set up by Cuddington borough councillors Kim Spickett and Phil Neale, which attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

Residents across Epsom and Ewell sent emails to the county council referencing the importance of saving the Grafton Stables for future generations.

County councillor Eber Kington, the Cuddington Residents' Association (CRA), the Sports Community at Wandgas Sports and Social Club and residents have been working with the local authority to find an alternative solution.

The groups said in a public statement the "much valued local green open space has been saved from development".

The CRA, Wandgas and a local business also joined together to submit an offer for the site, based on keeping much of the green space with some limited development for sale, to ensure ongoing funding for maintaining the open space.

But now the green space does not have to be sold.

No details have yet been published of how the new countryside management will operate.

But residents and voluntary groups will be encouraged to work with the countryside team on the ongoing development and maintenance of Grafton Stables.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.