Constituency News
The Durdans
March 2009
Local MP Chris Grayling has warned of a tough battle ahead to save the historic racing stables at the Durdans from redevelopment, after the owner Lord Halifax indicated that he is actively considering an appeal against the recent Council decision to block the plans. In a letter to Mr Grayling he was dismissive of attempts to retain the site for racing, and suggested that an appeal was on the cards. Mr Grayling has offered to broker a meeting between the peer and at least two potential buyers for the site for equestrian purposes - but has warned that Lord Halifax's estate has already rejected approaches to buy the site.
The stables are one of Epsom's most historic sites, and Mr Grayling also criticised English Heritage for "not bothering to do their homework" when they gave tentative support to redevelopment plans.
"As far as I can see, the issues are pretty straightforward. This is a hugely important part of our local heritage. It has been mismanaged for a decade. Lord Halifax has shunned approaches to buy and upgrade the site. Now he wants to redevelop it. That is simply not acceptable.
I met Lord Halifax before Christmas and offered to try and broker a solution to this problem. But if he rejects my offer and presses ahead with an appeal, he will, in my view, be behaving in a way that is utterly irresponsible for a man who is a senior figure in the racing world. He needs to understand that if he will not talk, then he faces an almighty public battle over the future of the site."
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