The Reigate and Banstead Council Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on 24 September 2025 to consider several planning applications, including the creation of an artificial sports pitch at Merstham Park School, and the demolition of a church hall to make way for new housing. The committee will also review minutes from a previous meeting and any urgent business.

Woodlands Chapel, St Mary's Road, Reigate

The committee will be revisiting application 24/01719/F concerning Woodlands Chapel on St Mary's Road, Reigate. The proposal involves demolishing the church hall and constructing three 2-bedroom houses. This application was previously deferred at the 3 September 2025 meeting to consider reasons for refusal. According to the agenda, there have been no changes to the application since the previous meeting. The planning officer's report in the Public reports pack states that:

When considering the planning merits of the proposal against the reading of the appeal decision of the previous refused scheme (now attached), it is considered by officers that the proposal meets the policies within the Local Plan and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.

The officer's recommendation remains that planning permission should be granted subject to conditions.

The Public reports pack includes a summary of the planning history of the site:

• Application 23/01979/F for the demolition of the church hall and erection of two 3-bedroom houses was approved on 14 February 2024.
• Application 22/02093/F for the demolition of the church hall and erection of three 3-bedroom houses was refused on 5 July 2023, and the appeal was dismissed.
• Application 20/02764/F for change of use from church halls to residential and a first-floor extension was refused on 10 November 2021.

The Public reports pack also includes a copy of the appeal decision, which states that the main issue was the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area. The inspector concluded that the proposal would harm the character and appearance of the area, conflicting with policies DES1 and DES2 of the Reigate & Banstead Local Plan Development Management Plan 2019.

Cheswick Farm Buildings, Meath Green Lane, Horley

The committee will also consider application 24/01748/F for Cheswick Farm Buildings, Meath Green Lane, Horley. The proposal involves demolishing the remaining barn and erecting a one and two-storey residential development comprising two detached family dwellings. The plans also include modifications to the existing access, formation of an access road with a turning head, and provision of car and cycle parking.

The site is located within the Meath Green Conservation Area and is adjacent to the Grade II listed Cheswick Farmhouse.

The planning officer's report notes that a previous application (23/00402/F) for six family dwellings on the site was refused on 26 July 2023, due to concerns about the impact on the character and appearance of the Meath Green Conservation Area and the Grade II listed Cheswick Farm, as well as issues with parking and pedestrian safety.

The officer's report in the Public reports pack states that the revised scheme for two dwellings is considered acceptable and is an appropriate layout and design for the former farmyard. The officer recommends that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

Merstham Park School, Taynton Drive, Merstham

The committee will be reviewing application 24/00866/F for Merstham Park School, Taynton Drive, Merstham. The proposal is for the creation of a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) with perimeter fencing, hardstanding areas, a storage container, floodlights, access footpaths, and an associated landscape bund.

The planning officer's report in the Public reports pack notes that the site lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt, but national and local planning policies allow appropriate facilities for outdoor sport and recreation provided openness is preserved. The officer considers that the proposal aligns with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Reigate & Banstead Core Strategy, and Development Management Plan policies, all of which encourage improved sports and recreation facilities to meet health and wellbeing needs. The officer recommends that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

The report also notes that concerns have been raised by residents of Taynton Drive regarding noise, light, and visual impact. The officer considers that these concerns can be mitigated by a 2m high earth bund to limit views and reduce noise, modern LED floodlighting with curfew controls and dimming, and curtailing hours of use to 08:00–21:00 weekdays and 09:00–18:00 weekends/bank holidays.

23 Orpin Road, Merstham

The committee will also be considering application 25/01258/HHOLD for 23 Orpin Road, Merstham. The proposal is for a first-floor and right-hand side extension.

The planning officer's report in the Public reports pack notes that the agent for the application is Councillor Michael Blacker. The officer considers that the proposed extension would be in keeping with the existing dwelling and would not have a significant impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties. The officer recommends that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

Other items

The committee will also be asked to approve the minutes of the previous meeting.