Following the Council’s rejection of a planning application to redevelop the old Post Office building in Redhill earlier in the year, followed up with a petition in support of its preservation, a planning inspector has today overturned the outcome and given the go ahead to the scheme.
The plans will see the existing roof removed completely, and replaced with a two stored glass and steel structure, housing 6 flats. Your local councillors and numerous local residents had argued vociferously that, as one of Redhill town centre’s only surviving old buildings, redevelopment should not be permitted.
Cllr Julian Ellacott, who along with Cllrs David Pay and Natalie Bramhall had set up the petition, said:
“I am gutted by this decision, which will mean the disfigurement of this building. It is a great shame that the Council has been overruled on this, with the external inspector claiming that the changes would “not be to a degree that would be harmful” to the building, which is bizarre. I would like to thank those who supported our petition and at played their part in trying to save this local landmark.”
The report of the inspector can be read here (appeal decision 12 02176), and the full background on the planning application is on the Council’s website.
Earlier press coverage can be found here: http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/local-news/petition-against-old-post-office-4868379
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