Welcome to the latest edition of our fortnightly news, where we bring you exciting and impactful stories from around Epsom and Ewell! From innovative technology reducing hospital admissions to thrilling new leisure opportunities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Dive in and discover the developments shaping our community and beyond!

ALDI Stores Limited successfully appealed Epsom and Ewell Borough Council‘s refusal of planning permission to redevelop the former Dairy Crest site on Alexandra Road, Epsom into a retail food store. The Planning Inspectorate allowed the appeal, addressing concerns over highway safety, sustainable transport provision, and the potential impact on the local road network. The inspector imposed detailed conditions to ensure the development aligns with local and national planning policy.

Plans for a food waste processing plant in South London have been rejected due to concerns about increased pollution and disruption. Sutton councillors blocked the proposal for an anaerobic digestion plant in the Beddington Lane Industrial area, citing potential safety risks, increased HGV traffic, and the attraction of vermin.

The Liberal Democrats have held the Sutton Central seat after a by-election, with Richard Choy becoming the first councillor from Hong Kong to be elected in the area. Choy aims to help regenerate the High Street and improve safety in the town centre.

Services at St. Helier Hospital are facing unprecedented pressure, with more than 2,000 patients waiting over 12 hours for treatment this past winter. Local MPs are calling for urgent upgrades to the hospital’s infrastructure, which has been delayed, leaving the community to suffer.

Innovative falls prevention and detection technology has significantly reduced hospital admissions and falls among elderly and vulnerable people in Surrey. The technology uses sound and motion sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor care home residents, alerting staff when assistance is needed.

Plans for a new Surrey Police headquarters for its Eastern division in Leatherhead have been put forward. The force aims to develop a permanent HQ on the former Electrical Research Association and Cobham Industry site, with an application also submitted to develop affordable housing in the area.

Surrey’s new police and crime plan includes ambitions to address issues affecting daily lives, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and strengthen community trust. The plan focuses on tackling violence against women and girls, shoplifting, rural offences, and antisocial behaviour.

Epsom and Ewell are engaged in Surrey’s local government reorganisation, transitioning from a two-tier system to a unitary authority model. The reorganisation aims to improve efficiency and maintain strong local connections, with public consultation ongoing to gather feedback from residents and businesses.

Plans for a new paintball and laser tag centre have been put forward in Epsom. The proposed centre, named Panda Warzs, will offer laser tag for children and tactical paintball for older participants, aiming to provide more leisure opportunities for young people in the area.

Chessington World of Adventures will open a new themed land aimed at younger children, transforming the existing Mexicana area. The development will include a child-friendly roller coaster, gentle rides, a themed playground, and other attractions, set to open in 2026.

Plans have been submitted for new padel courts in Sutton, which will be part of the London Cancer Hub. The facility will provide recreational space for residents, workers, and visitors, and is expected to open this summer.

Anisa Khan, a pizza business owner from Sutton, has made it to the final of The Apprentice 2025. Khan aims to grow her company into a million-pound business and hopes to represent and inspire others through her success on the show.