On Monday 12th November Mr David Prentis, the government Planning Inspector, dismissed the appeal by Independence homes against a refusal by Tandridge District Council to grant planning permission for their application to redevelop the site of the former Marie Curie Hospice in Harestone Valley Road in Caterham. In his report Mr Prentis stated that when taken as a whole the reason for refusal by Tandridge District Council was complete, precise and specific. The Council's decision was based on a planning judgement in relation to the effect of the scheme on the character and appearance of the area and the Council had not acted unreasonably.

The scheme by Independence Homes that was refused planning permission was for the erection of a 25 bedroom apartment building (15 x 2 bed and 10 x 1 bed apartments), 20 bed care home, 3 terraced houses (2 x 3 bedroom houses with garages and 1 x 2 bedroom house), a pair of semi-detached houses (2 x 5 bedrooms) and a two storey office building with office accommodation in the roof space, with parking, pedestrian/vehicular access road, bike and bin stores.

Following the decision, Tandridge District Councillor for Caterham Valley, Beverley Connolly said: "I am delighted that the Inspector agreed with the views of local residents and councillors and dismissed the appeal. Hopefully now the developer, Independence Homes, will come back with a more suitable scheme for this site that respects the character of the area. Many thanks must go to the residents who have put up a strong fight against this appalling scheme. "

To view the full reasons for the decision by the Inspector click here.