The chair of the Epsom Equestrian Conservation Group (EECG) is urging people to fight plans to build four terraced houses and demolish a listed wall at the 17th century Durdans stables in Epsom.

A planning application for the build at the south yard was submitted in June 2010 but was refused by the council later that year on the basis that it would have a negative impact on the Chalk Lane conservation area of Chalk Lane and an ntrusive impact on adjacent buildings.

An appeal against the council’s refusal was lodged by Lord Halifax’s estate on June 8.

But with the closing date for final comments to the inspectorate set for August 10, the EECG are concerned those who wrote in to oppose the initial plans have not been informed of the appeal.

Caroline Baldock, chair of the EECG said: "We are really worried about what is happening because people have not been told what is going on.

"People need to know that this planning permission has been put in.

"We have got to fight this because its a conservation area and it does not need another 28 people down there."

Councilor Graham Dudley, chairman of the planning committee, said: "As chairman my role is to see that the decision is arrived at properly and if it was it should stand up on appeal.

"But it is now a matter for the planning inspector."

A spokesperson for Epsom and Ewell council added: "Any representations made by residents, or other interested parties, plus the officer’s report to the planning committee, are all forwarded to the inspectorate as part of the formal submission process.

"The appeal has not yet been decided but any residents that sent in letters that the council submitted as part of the appeal will be notified when the appeal is published."

A final decision is expected by October.