Public inquiry into rejected Redhill tower blocks

A public inquiry into plans for Redhill’s ‘tallest constructing’ has heard highly effective new opposition from incapacity campaigners, who warn the station can be made unsafe and inaccessible for some passengers.

Campaigners Redhill Residents Action Group have attacked the scheme, dubbing it the “Croydonisation” of Redhill which they declare to be a “rural market town”.

The undertaking by developer Solum would change Redhill station’s forecourt and automotive park with two towers of as much as 14 and 15 storeys alongside 255 new houses.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council rejected the application in October 2024 due to issues over its top, scale, design and format.

The taxi rank would transfer to the again of the station, whereas drivers and cyclists could be directed to the Redstone Hill entrance.

Campaigners informed the inquiry on Tuesday the plans would “shut out” these with mobility points, stories the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Nikki Roberts of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People stated: “Disabled people will no longer be able to use the railway station safely.”

She stated authorities steering was that disabled entry ought to be as shut as doable to the doorway of the station.

The council’s authorized consultant informed the inquiry the dual towers would “puncture the character of the area”.

A lawyer for the Redhill Residents Action Group informed the listening to: “Redhill is not a large city but a small rural market town with only a few tall buildings.”

The builders argue the advantages of latest housing in a “phenomenally sustainable location” alongside prepare enhancements would outweigh any alleged hurt.

Solum’s lawyer Chris Katkowski stated the council couldn’t show it had sufficient land for housing to fulfill its five-year goal, and questioned why the appliance was rejected for not having any inexpensive housing when the council accepted the scheme couldn’t be viable with non-commercial items.

The inquiry is ready for 9 days, and is because of adjourn on Friday, then resume in November.