Redhill, located  in Surrey and just below Croydon, is facing a public inquiry over plans for the town’s ‘tallest building’. Disability activists claim the station will be made unsafe and inaccessible for some, the Redhill Residents Action Group adding their support against the developing of their “rural market town“. The residents group claim the new devlopment plan to be a “Croydonisation” of Redhill.

Solum, the developer of the controversial Redhill station project, plans to bulldoze the car park and forecourt – two towers of up to 14 and 15 storeys, as well as 255 new homes, to replace it. First rejected by the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council in October 2024, the initial plan was questioned over general worry of the height, scale, layout and design of the buildings. Now, the new plan would see the return of the taxi rank to the station’s rear, and the redirection of cyclists and drivers and cyclists to the Redstone Hill entrance.

Campaigners approached the inquiry on Tuesday, September 2, stating that the plans would exclude and “shut out” those with mobility issues, reports the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) Service. In response, a spokesperson for the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, Nikki Roberts, shared: “Disabled people will no longer be able to use the railway station safely,” reports the BBC.

Roberts added that government guidance suggested disabled access should remain as close to the station’s entrance as possible. Interestingly, a legal representative of the council relayed to the inquiry that the two towers would “puncture the character of the area”.

Redhill Residents Action Group’s lawyer spoke at the hearing, describing how “Redhill is not a large city but a small rural market town with only a few tall buildings”. Overall, this left the developers to present the benefits of new housing in what they dubbed a “phenomenally sustainable location” –making sure to also point out that any train improvements would outweigh the supposed harm.

Lawyer of the developer Solum, Chris Katkowski, stated that Redhill’s council was unable to provide proof of enough land that could be dedicated to housing, therefore deeming them unable meet its five-year target. The lawyer asked why the grounds of which the building application was rejected were due to it’s lack of affordable housing when the council itself was accepting of the scheme’s inability to be viable with non-commercial units.

This inquiry is set to take place over nine days, and due to adjourn on Friday. Plans for it to resume have been confirmed for November, 2025.

Britain’s most dynamic names in property and construction were honoured this week at the Sunday Express Construction and Property Awards. Broadcaster Kate Garraway hosted the glittering celebration of excellence which saw Legacie emerge as the night’s standout winner.

It took home Property Developer of the Year for its projects across the North West, including Liverpool’s Parliament Square regeneration scheme. The company’s success at the Manchester event was further cemented when founder and CEO John Morley was named Male Property Champion.

Building giant Barratt Redrow was named Housebuilder of the Year, recognised for its industry-leading standards, build quality and continued delivery of high-quality homes across the UK.

Construction excellence was also in the spotlight, with G&G Joinery taking home Contractor of the Year for its track record in project delivery and commitment to innovation and health & safety.

Finance played a central role in the awards, with Close Brothers Group named Best Property Lender, recognised for its flexible approach to development finance and support for ambitious residential and commercial schemes.

Samantha Palin of Prospect Homes received a rousing ovation when she was named Female Property Champion of the Year. Her leadership, commitment to diversity, and influence in the housebuilding sector were praised as a benchmark for others.

Demonstrating the strength of the next generation of talent, Nexus Residential took home both Residential Property Developer of the Year and Innovator of the Year, recognised for its environmentally conscious approach to housing and commitment to low-carbon building design.

Meanwhile, Jarron Developments was named Build-to-Rent Developer of the Year, applauded for its role in rejuvenating a derelict site and transforming it into a £120million mixed-use scheme. CERT Property was recognised with Best Proposed Regeneration Scheme for its 35-storey tower in Salford Quays.

The awards also celebrated innovation in energy, with Next Energy Solutions winning the coveted Retrofit Project of the Year for its nationwide work delivering solar and renewable systems.

Global investment powerhouse RWinvest was crowned Investment Agency of the Year, praised for its strategic market insight and ability to secure major property investment deals.

Kate Garraway said: “This was an incredible evening, full of ambition, achievement and truly inspiring stories. The companies and individuals recognised here tonight are helping to shape the very skylines of our country – and doing it with purpose, innovation and heart.”

Express editor-in-chief Tom Hunt spokesperson added: “We’re proud to shine a light on the businesses and leaders that make Britain’s construction and property sectors so resilient, forward-thinking and inclusive. These awards celebrate those raising the bar across the industry – from development and finance to sustainability and leadership.”

Other winners included Ai Law and MSB Solicitors, who were jointly named Legal Team of the Year, while DIY giant Wickes took home the Outstanding Supplier Award alongside Warwick North West.

A poignant moment came as Jimmy Hassall, founder of J&J Bricklayers, received a standing ovation upon being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring a decades-long contribution to the industry.

Property Developer of the Year

Legacie

Residential Property Developer of the Year

Nexus Residential

Construction Business of the Year

Eric Wright Group

The Barratt Redrow Outstanding CSR Award

Frank Rogers

Outstanding Commitment to ED&I

RWinvest

Female Property Champion of the Year

Samantha Palin (Prospect Homes)

Male Property Champion of the Year

John Morley (Legacie)

Real Estate Agency of the Year

Quay Property

Outstanding Supplier of the Year Award

Wickes & Warwick North West

Architecture Business of the Year

Hodder+Partners

Legal Team of the Year

MSB Solicitors & Ai Law

Property Deal of the Year

Jarron Developments, Metalworks

Investment Agency of the Year

RWinvest

Consultancy Team of the Year

Tyler Grange

Innovator of the Year

Nexus Residential

Best Property Marketing Campaign

Centurion Village, Barratt Redrow

House Builder of the Year

Barratt Redrow

Development of the Year

Parliament Square, Legacie

Contractor of the Year

G&G Joinery

Retrofit Project of the Year

Next Energy Solutions

Best Property Lender

Close Brothers Group

Build to Rent Development of the Year

Jarron Developments, Metalworks