HORLEY history enthusiasts are objecting to plans to convert a shop and offices into flats.
The owners of stationers Don Ruffles want to transform their Victoria Road store and offices into nine homes. The shop ceased trading after a car slammed into a wall in November last year, but continues online.
According to a design statement submitted to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, the owners want to demolish garages to the rear of the property, provide a new roof and extend the building at both sides to provide eight homes. A separate, self-contained unit is proposed to the rear of the site for the final home.
But the proposal has caused concern. Don Ruffles is next to a private, historical pathway from Victoria Road to Empire Hall.
David Hall, a member of Horley Local History Society, said the group understands the path was built to transport people to Horley Pest House, where those suffering from contagious diseases were isolated from the rest of town.
He explained: "The ground at that time would have been pretty marshy so to get there they installed this hard pathway."
The limestone path is believed to have been built in the 15th century, although Mr Hall says there are signs it could be older.
Mr Hall, who lives in Yattendon Road, also says a wall constructed during the 19th century stands between the path and the stationers, but it too is in a dilapidated state. "We are worried that construction traffic will go across these things and damage them even more. That is our real concern. They are some of the oldest things in the area. I would like to see the wall refurbished because it does offer protection to the remains of the path."
Consultee Surrey County Council has backed this idea, and has recommended that no planning permission be granted until a permanent barrier is erected to prevent access to the development from the pathway. The authority has also requested more details about the construction process.
Neighbours have other concerns. Although storage for bicycles is proposed, there are no current plans to provide any car parking. In a letter to the council, Keith and Jane Bennett of Victoria Road said: "Victoria Road has a yellow line outside the proposed entrance and permit parking only in the surrounding roads, for existing properties. There would be an overwhelming temptation to use the private road at the side of Don Ruffles to park cars in the private car park of the Empire Hall. There is already an overdevelopment of flats and apartments to Victoria Road."
According to a design statement given to the council, "the proposal is appropriate in scale, design and siting and it does not adversely affect the nature and value of the area".
View the plans at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/planning/
