Residents have criticised “ugly” designs for a new four-storey hotel that could be built in Epsom town centre, and raised concerns over traffic congestion if the project is given the green light.

But members of the Comrades Club (pictured below) – which would be demolished and re-built to make way for the hotel – unanimously approved their support for the application at a group meeting.Surrey Comet:

A spokesman for the club said that being allowed to retain the freehold of the building would “guarantee the future of the club” and provide them with new, improved premises.

Multi-national hoteliers Whitbread launched a fresh bid to demolish the Comrades Club in The Parade, Epsom, and replace it with a new four-storey Premier Inn hotel with 57 beds and a bar and restaurant, as well as new club facilities.

Surrey Comet:

An artist's impression of what the 57-bed hotel would look like from behind

A spokesman for the club said: “We’ve got a big old building that is falling down around our ears and we have not got the money to refurbish it.

“[But if this is passed] we would have a brand new club. It would guarantee the future of the club.”

From April 2009: New Travelodge hotel for Epsom

From August 2009: Residents concerned over Epsom town centre hotel plans

Previous applications for an 82-bedroom hotel and 77-bedroom hotel on the site – both of which would also have been four storeys high – were rejected in 2009 and 2011 respectively.

From January 2012: Councillors defer decision on Travelodge for second time

From November 2012: Travelodge axe second Epsom hotel shock

From Decemeber 2012: Push for hotel in Epsom continues without Travelodge

They were rejected because plans were deemed to be “out of keeping with the character and context of the surrounding area” because of the building’s “bulk, height and mass”, according to Mark Berry, head of planning and building control at Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.

Whitbread’s application was received by the council on March 17, and will be decided later this year.

Surrey Comet:

Since then, dozens of residents have written to the council objecting to the application.

Daniel Corbin of The Parade, Epsom, said with guests parking overnight, residents returning home from work would struggle to find a parking space on neighbouring roads.

Mr Corbin wrote: “I do believe the Comrades Club building should be redeveloped, but with no parking allocations in place this application puts local residents in very difficult position.”

Diane Baker of Heathcote Road, Epsom, wrote: “Epsom used to be a pleasant green town to live in [but] it is gradually becoming more and more congested and the buildings uglier and uglier.”

However, the Epsom Civic Society supported the application.

Alan Baker Frics, vice chairman of the group, suggested building the wall around the hotel using the same bricks as used in the building itself, and ensuring that guests use existing car parks, not nearby roads.

To view the application, search for 15/01839/FUL on the council’s planning portal at www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

What do you think? Comment below, or get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk