The information below has been generated by Copilot in response to prompts asking for an update. The situation will change week by week as Coldunell Group decides on the approach. There have been regular meetings between Coldunell Group and officers of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, with little information being public.
Screening of development at Priest Hill, Ewell refers to the early-stage assessment and public engagement now underway for the proposed major redevelopment of the northern parcel of the Priest Hill site. The process is being driven by Coldunell Group / The Priest Hill Land Company Ltd, who are promoting the land through the planning system. The current “screening” stage is about determining whether the eventual planning application will require a formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and gathering early public feedback.
Key facts about the development proposals
Scale: Up to 250–300 homes plus commercial/community space.
Location: Land opposite Ewell East Station, on the northern Priest Hill parcel historically let to Old Suttonians Ltd.
Land status: Classified as grey belt (previously developed land and disused sports pitches).
Developer: Coldunell Group / Priest Hill Land Company Ltd.
Purpose of screening: To determine whether the council requires an EIA before a full planning submission.
Some details of the possible development are on the link below.
Plans for 300 Homes Next Surrey
What “screening” means in this context
A screening request is a formal step where the developer asks Epsom & Ewell Borough Council whether the project’s scale and environmental sensitivities trigger the need for a full Environmental Impact Assessment.
The request submitted on 12 August 2026 asks the council to judge whether the 300‑home scheme’s impacts (traffic, ecology, landscape, noise, etc.) require detailed EIA documentation.
This is not a planning application yet — it is a precursor.
Environmental and planning sensitivities
The site has several constraints highlighted in the Council’s Green Belt Topic Paper:
- Loss of sports pitches would need justification and re‑provision.
- Proximity to Priest Hill Nature Reserve, a designated Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI).
- Traffic pressures on Cheam Road (A232), already congested at peak times.
- Landscape impact: concerns about height, views from Epsom Downs, and neighbouring homes.
- Urban edge character: the site borders residential areas on three sides and the railway line.
These factors are central to whether an EIA will be required.
Some details from the developer are on the link below.
https://www.priesthill-engagement.co.uk
Public engagement and local reaction
A public exhibition was held at Bourne Hall on 24 February 2026, where early proposals were shown and residents raised concerns about:
- Height and density
- Traffic and parking impact on the nature reserve
- Loss of sports facilities
- Suitability of the location for a “high‑rise” element
The developer has also published a detailed “Vision” document outlining:
- New pedestrian/cycle routes to Ewell East Station
- A “station square”
- 50% affordable housing
- Tree‑lined streets and open spaces
Current status (as of September 2026)
Screening request submitted (12 August 2026).
Full planning application not yet submitted, but expected later in 2026.
Council will decide whether an EIA is required before the full application proceeds.
Public consultation will continue once the formal application is lodged.
Ewell Green Belt 