Inquiry sides with council's rejection of towers

A planning inquiry into two proposed high-rise buildings has dismissed the developer's appeal.

The Planning Inspectorate ruled plans for 255 homes across two towers in Redhill, Surrey and alterations to the town's railway station would have an "adverse affect" on the character of the area.

Solum Regeneration was appealing Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's decision to refuse a planning application for the towers in 2024.

The planning inspector criticised the proposal's impact on the skyline and local conservation area in a written decision on Monday.

It said the development would have been "identifiable and memorable given its height and scale" but "not be a grand architectural statement".

"Although it would recognisably change the skyline, this would not be for the better," the inspector said.

Creating a large group of tall buildings would significantly "increase the urban character of the town and decrease the town's relationship with and understanding of its surroundings", it added.

Further concerns raised by the Planning Inspectorate included "a harmful effect on highway and pedestrian safety, including parking".

Following accessibility concerns from some disability campaigners, the inspector wrote that the scheme "would not advance equality of opportunity".

The buildings would also restrict daylight for residents of neighbouring high-rise Quadrant House, according to the report.

A spokesperson for Redhill Residents Action Group, which had opposed the development, said locals' voices "have been heard".

"This inquiry outcome shows that evidence, local knowledge and persistence really do matter," they said.

Redhill East ward councillor Jonathan Essex said the decision demonstrated that "we shouldn't be building on places, we should be be building first and foremost for those places".

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