Redhill station enquiry: next round set to begin

By Emily Dalton, Local Democracy Reporter, 4 Nov 2025

Surrey residents say they are gearing up for ‘round two’ in their long-running fight against controversial plans to redevelop the town’s station forecourt, describing the renewed planning inquiry as a ‘David and Goliath’ battle between the local community and developers.

The second round of the public inquiry into Solum’s proposed Redhill Station development is set to begin on 24 November.

It comes after Reigate & Banstead Borough Council rejected the plans last October on grounds of height, scale, and design. The developer is now appealing that decision, hoping to overturn the council’s refusal.

If approved, the multi-million pound scheme would see two tower blocks of up to 15 storeys built on the station forecourt and car park off Princess Way (A23), delivering 255 homes above new retail units.

Campaigners say the buildings would dominate the town and “crucify” the already-congested station area.

Campaigners are now fundraising (Opens in a new window) to cover the final £10,000 of its legal costs after the planning inquiry has been extended. In the second round, Solum’s witnesses will be cross-examined by RRAG’s solicitor.

“We’re not wealthy people, we’re just normal residents,” said a spokesperson for Redhill Residents Action Group (RRAG). “Their barrister is one of the most well-known in the country. It really is a David and Goliath situation.”

The RRAG spokesperson said: “We are fighting people with massive pockets and they are throwing every penny at it […] but they can’t build affordable homes.

“We haven’t had one big donor. It’s been hundreds of local people chipping in,” the spokesperson added. “We would love one now.

“But we are so grateful. We can’t thank people enough.”

Opponents argue the development would worsen congestion, block access to taxis and drop-off points, and pose safety risks around nearby tunnels and schools. They also highlight the lack of affordable homes and limited parking – just 27 spaces for 255 flats – in a town where, they say, residents need to drive.

RRAG claims the proposed development is going to increase traffic movements by 2,000 there and back up to the back of the station every day.

“We know we need homes but Redhill already has hundreds in the pipeline,” the spokesperson said. “These flats aren’t family homes. They are unaffordable, it’s just for profit. My kids can’t afford a £300,000 flat in Redhill.”

RRAG said they are not against developing the station. “It’s not the wrong place, it’s the wrong type of development for that place,” the spokesperson said. “They are changing the station infrastructure in a negative way. They are not doing anything to give back to the community.”

RRAG said the fight is far from over. “A lot of people thought this had gone away,” a spokesperson said, “but it’s still here.”

Developer Solum has been asked for comment.

Solum has previously said that the Redhill Station redevelopment has been revised after community feedback and council consultation, with the height reduced from 19 to 15 storeys. They said the project aims to modernise the station area, provide 255 sustainable homes, and boost local regeneration, all while protecting nearby Green Belt land.

The developer added in a statement previously: “The aim of the project is to transform Redhill Station area into an appealing new gateway building for the town which will be modern, clean and easier to use and access.”

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