More Protests Against Student Plans

Residents in Epsom are opposing plans to build more student accommodation near land rich in wildlife.

Last month Logonburry Ltd submitted a planning application to Epsom Council last month for 11 new homes, with 77 beds, plus parking and bicycle spaces. They have agreed to keep one-third of the site, which is home to badgers, foxes, lizards, votes, stag beetles and flora, as a wildlife sanctuary.

The company also said that the accommodation would be made available to students at the University of Creative Arts (UCA), as well as other educational facilities such as Laine Theatre Arts.

However, residents held a demonstration outside the site on Mill Road on East Sunday. Julie Morris, a resident who is standing as a Liberal Democrat candidate, said: 'It is a hugely valuable green corridor, one which should be left undisturbed and removed from the council's list of sites which are apparently suitable for housing.'

Yet David Waller, of Loganberry Ltd, countered by saying that it was a 'suitable' 'brownfield site' that would free up homes in the private rented sector which are currently being used by students but might be 'inadequate' for their needs.

Image courtesy of Flickr, Creative Commons.