A public inquiry into Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC)'s decision to reject two planning permission applications has been announced.

The inquiry, which will begin on August 17, will be held after developers Guild Living appealed against the council's refusal of both their planning applications for the development to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The developers plan to build two acres of "landscaped space" for proposed residential buildings near to Epsom Hospital on former hospital land.

They have since submitted additional materials on the planning proposals as part of the appeals process. 

EEBC's decision to reject planning permission for the developments came after a vocal response from residents in the borough to the plans, many of whom opposed them.

EEBC Councillor Monica Coleman, who chairs the planning committee, said:

"These proposals led to one of the largest number of responses to a development proposal in the history of Epsom and Ewell and we received hundreds of objections.

"The council decided to refuse these applications based on planning concerns and planning merit. The inquiry gives us the opportunity to have the objections heard in front of an independent body. The final decision whether this development can proceed will be for the government inspector.

"There is little doubt that this will be one of the most significant planning decisions to impact the borough in a very long time".

A spokesperson for Guild Living previously claimed the new site would help alleviate pressures on Epsom Hospital thanks to its proximity.

"With its Epsom scheme situated next to the hospital, Guild Living also hopes to relieve pressure on local NHS services by providing tailored care suites, which ensure recovering patients can staircase back to independent living," they said.

Guild Living also referenced a report by research consultancy Carterwood they said "shows that there will be a need for over 4,000 private extra care units in Epsom and the surrounding area by 2022."

The company are a partner of financial group Legal and General who promote senior living developments across the country, and previously announced some £4.5 million in funding for the development.

Guild Living were contacted for comment.