Residents positive on Sandown redevelopment plans but worry about traffic

Plans to redevelop Sandown were largely welcomed by local residents on Saturday as the racecourse unveiled its proposals to the public for a significant upgrading of facilities and the construction of new homes.

However, the impact on traffic in Esher was raised as a main concern for residents, who were informed the plans were not linked to Jockey Club Racecourses’s ambitions to construct around 3,000 homes at nearby Kempton.

More than 200 people visited Sandown to discuss the plans, which include the creation of 305 apartments across "five small, discrete pockets of residential development" on the outskirts of the track which will aid funding for redevelopments, such as a refurbished main grandstand, improved stabling and racing staff accommodation, plus a new pre-parade ring and hotel.

William Cripps, who lives on nearby Station Road, welcomed the course developments but said: “Our concerns are over traffic in the area, which is bad enough already without the prospect of so many new apartments and vehicles that go with it.

“It’s good to see the course development plans and they're positive as some of the facilities are outdated.”

Another local resident added: “The traffic is a big concern. It’s already a bit of a nightmare around school time and busy periods, so with more people arriving it has to be a worry.

“People tend to dread developments and change, however, and it will probably go along quite smoothly.”

A site map of the proposed plans for the redevelopment of Sandown

Phil White, London regional director of JCR, recognised the pressures on congestion and described feedback as positive and constructive.

White said: “It’s been a positive day and a lot of the racecourse enhancements have been really well received. Traffic has been raised as a concern and we’ve conducted a full traffic assessment as part of this process.”

Several members of the public queried how developments at Sandown, which lies entirely within the Green Belt, will impact on JCR's application to close and build on Kempton.

“The Sandown proposals are very separate to the Kempton project and absolutely not related,” White added. “In 2016 Kempton responded to Spelthorne Council’s call for sites and we haven’t heard anything back from that – it’s in their hands.”

In the centre of the course a new family zone, including a cycle track, children play areas and a cafe, would replace the go-kart track and be open to the public all year.

Simon Waugh, a Conservative councillor for Esher, said: “It’s a really exciting development for the community. Sandown Park is fundamental to Esher and we want to see it thrive and get bigger and better.”

A second public exhibition will be staged at Sandown on January 15 from 7-9.30pm with JCR intending to submit planning applications to Elmbridge Borough Council at the end of next month.

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