Newsletter - Wed 6 Aug, 2025

By David Grantham

Just back from holiday, hence the longer-than-I-planned gap in publication. This issue covers developments in two long-running topics: outline planning permission for 300 homes off Sandcross Lane, and planning approval for the new school building at Woodhatch Place. That’s after news in brief.

News in brief

The Harlequin: councillors at Reigate & Banstead have voted to approve (Opens in a new window) the exec committee’s decision to spend £4.5 million removing the theatre’s RAAC, with a deadline for reopening of December 2026. A motion from the Greens (Opens in a new window) called for a further £3 million so that the time could also be used to bring forward planned maintenance and make further improvements, but councillors voted against this, with fears that it could delay reopening and that the money could end up as a gift to the unitary authority that will replace Reigate & Banstead. The theatre has been closed since September 2023.

Harassment of female joggers has prompted Surrey Police to launch “Jog On” (Opens in a new window), a force-wide campaign which includes plain-clothes female police officers running in key locations. First used in Reigate & Banstead, the scheme has resulted in a number of interventions. Inspector Jon Vale, borough commander, has warned would-be offenders: “The next time you see a female jogger, just think, they could be a police officer with colleagues nearby ready to stop you. Your behaviour is not welcome in Surrey.”

80% of UK butterfly species are in decline, says Butterfly Conservation, as it asks people to spend 15 minutes taking part in its annual Big Butterfly Count (Opens in a new window), which runs until 10 August.

Outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s A Comedy of Errors begin this week at Tilgate Park in Crawley. The production is by the Archway theatre, Horley, who say: “Full of mistaken identity, slapstick and witty wordplay, this riotous farce will definitely not be one to miss”. Tickets and details for the performances on 9, 10, 16 and 17 August are here (Opens in a new window).

A burglary took place at Marks & Spencer on Reigate High Street on Sunday 20 July, around midnight, Surrey Police have said (Opens in a new window). “Three men are believed to have gained entry to the store and stolen cash from the register before fleeing the scene, possibly in a vehicle,” the force added. An image has been released of a man who could assist the investigation; he was believed to be in the area at the time and could be a significant witness. Anyone who recognises him, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Surrey Police (Opens in a new window) quoting PR/45250088313.

The new Pizza Express in Redhill opened on 24 July, employing 16 people. Today (Wed 6 Aug) there’s an opening celebration giving away 200 free Margherita pizzas - details here (Opens in a new window).

Churchill Living is inviting local over 60s to a summer party at its Colebrooke Lodge development in Reigate on Thursday (7 Aug). There’ll be live music, Pimm’s, fizz, and the chance to hear from existing owners of retirement apartments. Booking and more details here (Opens in a new window).

Outline permission for 300 homes off Sandcross Lane

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