Controversial Ewell development nears completion

Developer Bellway's 'Buckthorn Grange' development on Scotts Farm Road will open for Bellway's sales team to move into from Saturday (March 13), the developers said.

The project, which was opposed by thousands of residents in the area over the last few years, was actioned after Bellway purchased the land of a former playing field from Epsom and Ewell High School.

It will eventually see 161 homes including a mixture of houses and apartments built on the site as the borough attempts to meet its target to build hundreds of new homes amid a national housing crisis.

Bellway said the "first phase" of construction is delivering a selection of two and three-bedroom houses, with the first apartments set to follow "later this year".

CGI render of what the apartment block could look like via Bellway

Daniel Williamson, Sales Director for Bellway South London said: "The sales team being located at Buckthorn Grange will provide us with the opportunity to showcase the carefully crafted designs of the homes in our Artisan Collection in greater detail.

"We are looking forward to welcoming buyers to the site and giving them a chance to see what the development has to offer.

"The mix of houses and apartments will suit a variety of homebuyers, and the location offers easy access to a range of local amenities, sports facilities and open space."

As the Surrey Comet reported previously, a number of residents took to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council's online planning application website to voice their concerns over the development.

Many of those came in the form of a letter from community group 'Residents of West Ewell' (RWE), who campaigned against the development as it was submitted.

Bellway were forced to pause construction last year after dust from the site coated residents' homes. Image: Christine Bailey

Citing concerns about the project, Ashtead resident Patricia Clarke said:

"I am a frequent visitor to a relative and object because the area is congested enough. I don't agree with school fields being used for development and there are pollution and wildlife implications.

"Converting existing office blocks and existing rundown houses should be priority not building on any green area."

Epsom resident Miss Natasha Herrington meanwhile commented:

"I object to the building of more housing and destruction of a school field. There is plenty of uninhabited housing in the area which could be renovated to provide housing if there even is such a need...

"This build would not be in keeping with the 'local' feel of the town and area. Epsom has a rural vibe running through it, unlike neighbouring towns. It is what residents love about the area."

Bellway were forced to pause construction last year after dust coated from site coated residents homes.

Announcing the imminent opening, the group reiterated that proceeds from the land sale were reinvested back into the school, with a new two-storey classroom block, a sports hall and artificial grass pitches for outdoor sports funded.

The developers added that the two and three-bedroom houses currently available to buy at Buckthorn Grange start at prices from £455,000.