High-rise block proposed for Redhill rejected

The rejected tower would have contained 255 flats

Plans for a high-rise block proposed for the centre of Redhill in Surrey has been thrown out at the planning stage.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's planning committee voted against the 255-home development on Wednesday.

More than 2,000 letters of complaint had been sent, with campaigners saying it would not suit the character of the town.

The Developer Solum Regeneration said it will review the decision and consider its next steps.

Jan Sharman, from the East Redhill Residents' Association, told the BBC: "We've seen changes and we've embraced changes, and of course we need new homes.

"But this development was a complete blot. It was tower blocks, the highest ever built in Redhill, and we would have started replicating Croydon.

"There's no benefits for the community."

She described the council's rejection of the plans as "a massive relief".

Campaigners were concerned about the loss of some parking spaces close to Redhill station

Andrew Atkins, development director at Solum Regeneration, said: “We are obviously disappointed with the decision made by the planning committee.

"The proposals would have transformed the station and surrounding landscape, including making it more accessible and providing new shops and passenger areas."

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