An organisation that owns most of Epsom’s social housing has pulled out of merger talks with another housing association which could have made it one of the country’s biggest housing groups.

In August, the Epsom Guardian revealed that Rosebery Housing Association, which manages about 2,500 properties, predominantly in Epsom and Ewell, intended to merge with Raglan Housing.

Both boards had agreed in principle that Rosebery would become a subsidiary of Raglan, which owns and managers five times as many homes across nearly 100 local authorities.

A separate deal was also spoken of between Raglan and Jephson Housing Association Group, which would make Raglan one of the largest in the UK.

But, Rosebery Housing Association revealed on February 18 that it will remain as an independent organisation after it decided not to continue with the discussions.

Anna Hammond, Rosebery board chairwoman, said: "After careful consideration we believe the outcome to be in the best interests of both residents and the business.

"We would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to the consultation and tell us what you thought. 

"Now we are clear on the future direction for Rosebery, as an independent organisation, we will be powering ahead with some exciting projects that will improve the services we provide."

She said these projects include developing 195 new homes, extending its customer offer, supporting residents back into work, reducing fuel poverty and its carbon footprint, investing in technology to change the way it works, and relocating its offices and rebranding.

Epsom Council transferred its council housing stock to Rosebery in 1994.

Besides Epsom, Rosebery has some homes in Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead and surrounding areas, while Raglan covers swathes of the Midlands and the South of England.

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