Following a decision by the Council's Planning Committee, a legal notice has been served on the owners of the former Rose and Young site in Croydon Road, Caterham, requiring significant improvements to the appearance of the building or for the building to be demolished.

The privately owned site has remained unoccupied for many years and the Council, residents and businesses are unhappy with the run down appearance of the land and building. The Council has previously issued a policy statement about the potential for pursuing compulsory purchase. Redevelopment of the site remains the Council's key objective.

The notice, served on Thursday 13th September will, unless appealed, come into effect after 28 days and requires a range of works to improve the appearance of the building or its demolition. It is for the owner to decide which of these options to pursue.

The owner has four months in which to complete the works specified in the notice. There is a right of appeal to the Magistrates' Court if the owner disagrees with the notice. If the owner fails to carry out the works, the Council will consider what future action to take.

Councillor Gill Black, Chairman of the Planning Committee said: "The condition of the site is considered to have a significant impact on the appearance of the area and the Council has decided to use its powers to require improvement or the removal of the building. Encouraging redevelopment of the former Rose and Young garage in Caterham is a long standing key corporate objective of the Council and the serving of this notice, together with the previously issued policy statement aims to tackle the existing problem and the future of the site".

To view the S215 notice served by Tandridge District Council click here