Public inquiry into rejected Redhill tower blocks

The proposed tower blocks, of 14 and 15 storeys, were rejected by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council

A public inquiry into plans for Redhill's 'tallest building' has heard powerful new opposition from disability campaigners, who warn the station will 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 claim to be a "rural market town".

The project by developer Solum would replace Redhill station's forecourt and car park with two towers of up to 14 and 15 storeys alongside 255 new homes.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council rejected the application in October 2024 because of concerns over its height, scale, design and layout.

The taxi rank would move to the back of the station, while drivers and cyclists would be directed to the Redstone Hill entrance.

Campaigners told the inquiry on Tuesday the plans would "shut out" those with mobility issues, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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

She said government guidance was that disabled access should be as close as possible to the entrance of the station.

'Phenomenally sustainable'

The council's legal representative told the inquiry the twin towers would "puncture the character of the area".

A lawyer for the Redhill Residents Action Group told the hearing: "Redhill is not a large city but a small rural market town with only a few tall buildings."

The developers argue the benefits of new housing in a "phenomenally sustainable location" alongside train improvements would outweigh any alleged harm.

Solum's lawyer Chris Katkowski said the council could not prove it had enough land for housing to meet its five-year target, and questioned why the application was rejected for not having any affordable housing when the council accepted the scheme could not be viable with non-commercial units.

The inquiry is set for nine days, and is due to adjourn on Friday, then resume in November.