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Currently we are facing an uncertain but very exciting period. Recognising the changing needs of the Church, and in an effort to have more manageable premises and a more user friendly building, we are looking to redevelop the premises and to build a new Church. The timescale and eventual outcome are uncertain and there are many hurdles to overcome but if all goes well we will have a new and more flexible Church Building and our outreach into the community will be enhanced. The F & GP Committee will work with the Minister, Elders and Chuch Meeting to progress this very exciting project.
This page will contain regular updates as matters progress. The earliest entries will be at the bottom of the page, and the latest entries will start here:
21st February, 2009
We have recently heard from the Planning Case Officer of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council who has advised that he will be recommending refusal of our application to the Planning Committee. There were a number of reasons, among which was 'Uncertainty about siting and collection of refuse bins'.
The application has now been withdrawn, to give us time to lick our wounds, consider all the comments and consider our next steps.
November, 2008
After many meetings and discussions, and lots of drawing work by Richard Horden Associates, our plans were submitted for Planning Permission. The scheme was to incorporate traditionally built student accommodation and not the Micro-Homes, and it was hoped that a decision would be received from the Planning Office in February 2009.
Wednesday 20th August
At 15:00, a presentation to local residents and representatives of other churches - a mixed reception, generally in favour, and quite a bit of interest.
And at 18:30, the same presentation to representatives of E&EBC, of whom only Cllr Michael Arthur attended. He was very interested in the plans and options.
There was a brief wash-up meeting at about 20:00, discussing how the day had gone and what the reception was like. It was noted that more emphasis had been put on the Micro-Compacts than on traditional build during the presentations, and it was wondered whether the finances stacked up.
November, 2008
After many meetings and discussions, and lots of drawing work by
Monday, 11th August
A meeting of the Steering Committee, with Tom Roberts and Guy Morfett. Much discussion between Tom R. and Guy re ways and means. Another developer has shown an interest
There were two matters to be sorted:
1. The area: would this include conversion of Unity Hall, or its demolition and a total rebuild together with the part of the church footprint; and
2. Would the rebuild be traditional or the new iindividual Micro-Compact Homes?
Action plan: schemes to go forward for Planning Permission;
Liaison with the second developer - allow to view the site;
See if Woodgavil come back with anything.
Presentation of our plans to local residents and E&EBC (20th August)
Next meeting: 25th September.
Wednesday 16th July 2008:
At our regular Church Meeting Tom Roberts, our architect, presented plans to the meeting outlining a proposal to demolish the existing Church Building and, working with a property developer, to build student accommodation at the rear of the site and a new Church Building at the front. Guy Morfett from the Southern Synod office spoke of the permissions that need to be obtained, not least from the Charity Commissioners, and of course local Planning Permission from E & E BC will be required. A resolution was put to Church Meeting which was passed unanimously to proceed as planned, although it was recognised that nothing was certain at this stage and there are still challenges ahead.
 
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