Thanks to your support, something extraordinary has been achieved. RRAG is now a Rule 6 party in the Planning Inquiry. This gives us an equal voice alongside the developer and the Council. A rare step for a residents’ group, only possible because of the backing of hundreds of people like you, in our town and in the towns and villages around Redhill.
Story So Far: Redhill Towers
Solum’s plan for five towers up to 15 storeys high on the station’s main front forecourt and carpark drew over 2,000 objections – the highest ever in the borough. The council refused the scheme, but the developer appealed.
RRAG, formed from East Redhill Residents Association, the Reigate & Redhill Society, and others, became a small working group and launched crowdfunding, a website, and social media, while also raising awareness through press, flyers and posters. Invited by the Planning Inspector to become a Rule 6 party in July, we now stand equal to the council and developer, able to raise wider concerns such as Redhill’s character, heritage, highways, pedestrian safety, daylight/sunlight.
Inquiry Update – What’s Happened So Far
First Week of Inquiry Completed.
The first week of the Inquiry is now complete. Thank you to everyone who followed the hearings, whether by joining us at Reigate Town Hall or watching online. Here’s what took place from Tues 2nd until Friday 5th September:
Council and RRAG’s Case: These first four days covered the Council’s evidence and ours as a Rule 6 party. On day one, the Inspector also heard strong statements from residents and groups, highlighting concerns such as reduced disabled access if taxis and drop-offs were moved to the back of the station. A journalist attended, resulting in coverage from Surrey Live and the BBC:
Our Expert Witnesses: RRAG’s expert witnesses were cross-examined by the developer’s barrister – a KC supported by a full legal team. Our barrister represented us daily, defending our witnesses’ testimony while also exposing weaknesses in Solum’s case. This ensured Redhill’s objections were heard clearly, professionally, and with real impact.
Developer’s Expert Witnesses: On Friday, cross-examination of Solum’s witnesses began, starting with Highways and Transport. Due to timetable changes and an extension of four extra days, the remainder of Solum’s witnesses will now be cross-examined in the week beginning Monday 24th November.
Why We Need More Support:
Because of the extended timetable, the Inquiry will now run for an additional four days. Each day adds to the cost of our barrister and planning expert.
This second week will be the most critical stage of the Inquiry: our barrister will directly cross-examine Solum’s witnesses, testing their evidence in detail on behalf of the community. To cover these costs, we have had to increase our fundraising target.
Original target: £30,000
Raised so far: £25,000
Additional costs (4 extra days): +£10,000
New total target: £40,000
Every contribution helps. Even a small donation matters, but larger gifts can directly cover a day (or a proportion of a day) of our barrister’s time.