Welcome to the LOSRA Website
Like any local community, the policies and decisions shaping the character and future of Lower Sunbury are influenced by a combination of local and national government initiatives, alongside market forces and vested interests operating within these frameworks. As with many areas, Lower Sunbury faces challenges stemming from an aging infrastructure, rapid urban development, increasing traffic congestion, and other pressures that impact both quality of life and the distinctive character of the neighbourhood.
In collaboration with local authorities, other residents’ associations and amenity groups, LOSRA plays a vital role in addressing fundamental issues that affect its members' lives. This organisation not only engages with broader strategic concerns but also focuses on the everyday matters that shape community well-being.
To stay informed, we encourage you to subscribe to our regular e-bulletins via the link at the top left of this page. Your continued support is essential to our efforts, and we urge you to join or renew your membership. Subscriptions for 2026 are now payable at £5 per household. Donations are also welcome.
Yet Another Green Flag Award for Walled Garden
The Walled Garden in Thames Street has won the prestigious Green Flag Award for the fifth year running.
The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country and this year the Walled Garden is one of a record number of spaces to receive the Award.
The historic Walled Garden in Sunbury Park was built in the early part of the 18th Century. Following years of neglect, Spelthorne Borough Council embarked on a project to restore the two acre garden in 1985.
Expert use of trees, shrubs and climbers on the ancient walls, which are 8 to 10 feet high in places, make the garden a beautiful place to visit. The sheer variety of plants provide great inspiration for gardeners and the Lendy Memorial provides an impressive centre piece.
The Walled Garden is open seven days a week, from 7.30am-8.30pm in the summer months.
Those residents who have recently moved to the area may like to know that the historic walled garden in Sunbury Park was most probably built in the early part of the 18th century for the large mansion built on the site for Sir Roger Hudson and there is a drawing in Colin Campbell’s ‘Vitruvius Britannicus’ showing the housing in Sunbury Park in 1714.
Walled gardens were a particular feature of the larger Georgian and Victorian houses, and were used for the growing of high quality fruit and vegetables for the wealthy owner of the house.
Community Recycling Centres up for Review
It is something of an irony that Surrey County Council is undertaking a review of Community Recycling Centres at precisely the time that the Eco Park incinerator, despite huge local opposition, is to be imposed on us at our own Charlton Lane CRC. Some might even call the timing tasteless as residents' confidence - so recently battered by this epic saga of misrule and venal officialdom - is already at a very low ebb.
Nevertheless, our cynicism must be held in abeyance as the review is going ahead regardless, with County's stated aim to "make further savings while maintaining this important [CRC] service to residents". To achieve this, SCC is seeking your views and state that "plans will only be finalised once you have had your say on the options".
The options:
- Introducing charges for non-household waste (such as DIY waste) or not accepting it at all.
- Reducing opening hours on weekdays.
- Closing CRCs on the least busy weekdays.
- Full closure of some CRCs.
- Only accepting waste at CRCs in clear plastic bags.
- Selling good quality second hand items at CRCs.
We are being invited to complete this short questionnaire by 30 September to help SCC ensure they spend the budget on providing the services we need the most.
Gambling Policy Consultation - Views Sought
Spelthorne Council would like your views on a draft revised licensing policy for gambling premises and permits.
The law prescribes that policies have to be reviewed every three years, and also much of what can be included in the policy. However the policy must also reflect local circumstances hence the importance of local consultation. The Council therefore welcomes the views and comments of anyone who would like to make them. Responses can be made by email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by writing to the Licensing Team, Spelthorne Borough Council, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 1XB.Your comments will be taken into account in the production of the final version. The closing date for receiving comments is 1 October 2015.
Licensing policies must be prepared in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005 and Guidance on the Act issued by the Gambling Commission. Further information is available from the Gambling Commission www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
The Council's Policy must be published by January 2016. Thereafter it will be reviewed and re-published every three years.
Proposed Natural Play Area in the Orchard Meadow, Thames Street - Public Drop-in event
Readers will recall the application for the siting of a children's natural play area in Orchard Meadow (Planning Ref: 15/00237/FUL) which was published on this site on 17th March.
Spelthorne Council has expressed its gratitude to all those who submitted comments on the proposal and has now arranged for an Information evening about the scheme to be held on Thursday 23rd July from 6 - 8pm at Chennestone Primary School, Manor Lane, Sunbury, TW16 5ED.
The drop-in event will be an opportunity for all residents to discuss the proposals with Spelthorne councillors and officers who will be available to answer questions and provided further information at this information evening.
Information on display at the event will include questions and comments already received from residents.
For further information, please contact Leisure Services on 01784 446433 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
800+ Roads in Surrey to be Given "pothole proof" coatings
They are the scourge of Britain’s dilapidated roads and responsible for seriously damaging hundreds of cars a week. Now Surrey County Council is promising frustrated motorists it can beat the menace of potholes with a new road building technology.
More than 800 roads in Surrey are to be given "pothole proof" coatings over the next three years in an initiative to overhaul more than 300 miles of road. The contractors carrying out the work for Surrey County Council are so confident of their new technique that the roads come with a 10-year no pothole guarantee.
The council, which is believed to be the first in the country to use the technique, has already lined up 177 roads to be rebuilt this year. Engineers will rebuild the roads from scratch and then apply a pothole-resistant coating of special ‘Superflex’ asphalt that is highly water resistant and flexible. By going back to the road’s foundations, engineers say they will also make the roads more resistant to vibrations and movement, meaning less damage.
A spokesman for the council said: “We are not just slapping on another coat of asphalt, we are digging up the road and going back to bare bones. We're relaying the entire foundations."
The council has in the past been criticised for having some of the worst potholed roads in the country.
Jason Russell, the council’s assistant director for highways, said: “We can’t go on papering over the cracks with quick fixes to tired old roads forever. Improvements in road building and new watertight surface treatments such as Superflex mean many of the new roads will come with a 10 year guarantee from the contractor.
“Our main problem is that some of our roads are crumbling at the base, making them very susceptible to damage. This is why we’re planning a £100 million project to rip out our worst roads and rebuild many of them from scratch, making these roads resistant to potholes for a decade"
Comment: It will be interesting to see how much of the new technology finds its way into the improvement of Spelthorne's road networks.
Sunbury Amateur Regatta – Saturday 15th August 2015
The following email has been forwarded to LOSRA by John Lake, the Membership Secretary of the Sunbury Amateur Regatta and is published here:
the cost of entrance to Rivermead Island on the day will be £5.00 per person (for those wishing to become members, this cost is included in the membership ticket price). This year is the 138th Sunbury Amateur Regatta and we look forward to welcoming you to this memorable occasion.
The Members Enclosure enjoys a lovely riverside location for you to relax and enjoy the competitive racing events and entertainment. The Members Bar offers a large selection of wines, beers, spirits, Pimms and soft drinks at lower prices than the main bar. In addition, to stimulate your taste buds we have a variety of food stalls offering delicious foods prepared by local restaurants and bakers.
On the lawn there will be stalls selling arts and crafts, jewellery, boating merchandise, as well as entertainment for children and adults including Tug O’ War, Punch & Judy, pony rides, face painting, mini-tanks, bucking bronco plus many other attractions. At the end of the racing and after prize giving the open-air entertainment begins featuring local bands and singers. The entertainment continues with the illuminated sail past by the Middle Thames Yacht Club at 9.00pm. Followed by the famous grand fireworks finale! The fireworks take place over the river, and form a magical display!
The membership subscriptions remain the same as last year:£9.00 Single Member, £17.00 per Couple and £10 for each Guest.To purchase tickets please go to the website (www.sunburyregatta.com) download, print and complete the ticket application form. You will find a link on the homepage. Please return the completed form by post together with a cheque made payable to Sunbury Amateur Regatta to cover the cost of the items you have selected. (Please be sure to fill-out your full address your Email address and phone number). Membership Ticket Applications must be received no later than Friday 31st July 2015. The dress code in the Members Enclosure is suggested to be smart casual.
Kind regards,
John Lake,
Membership Secretary
More...
Have Your Daughters Been Inspired by England's Recent Successes in the World Cup?
If so, why not introduce them to the Kempton Girls Football Club which caters all 5 - 9 year olds of all abilities. Attendance is free and great fun is guaranteed.
The Riverside Arts Centre Seeks an Hon.Treasurer
The Riverside Arts Centre is seeking an Hon.Treasurer to work,initially, in tandem with the current Treasurer before taking over the role shortly. The position will involve a few hours work per week, attending evening Management Committee Meetings to present the on going accounts-about 6 times a year and preparing the Annual Accounts for audit before presenting them at the AGM. The position will involve close liaison with the Hon.Chairman Eric Champion.
If you feel you are suited to this position and would like to explore the implications of doing so please contact Eric Champion: Hon Chairman: (01932 782850) or Peter Norgate Hon Technical Director (01932 782788) or come to our AGM on Tuesday 14th July to observe role the in more detail. You could make initial contact via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you prefer.
Spelthorne Council welcomes third runway recommendation
The following press release arrived in LOSRA's inbox on 1st July:
Spelthorne Borough Council has welcomed the Airport Commission’s report published today which recommends to government that a third runway be built to the north west of Heathrow.
The Commission’s unanimous recommendation recognises that expanded airport capacity is crucial to the UK’s long term prosperity by providing greater airport capacity and international connectivity.
The report comes with a number of recommended measures to address environmental concerns including noise and air quality and securing a major shift away from private vehicles as means of transport to the airport. The Commission has explained its recommendations would make an expanded Heathrow a better neighbour for local communities than it is today.
Leader of Spelthorne Council, Cllr Robert Watts said: “This is good news for the local and national economy. Along with our MP, Kwasi Kwarteng, Spelthorne has been a long standing supporter of the expansion of Heathrow on economic grounds whilst recognising the environmental and transport impacts must also be addressed. I am pleased the Commission has proposed a series of strong measure to address those environmental and transport concerns.”
Councillor Colin Davis, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: “The Commission has clearly undertaken a very thorough assessment and recognised the overwhelming economic case for Heathrow’s expansion. It will now be important for the government to consider the report quickly so an early decision can be made allowing detailed plans to then be developed.”
LOSRA is well aware that the expansion of Heathrow is a hugely contentious issue which divides opinion amongst our members. Please use the comments facility below to make your views known.
Waterside Drive Sports Hub Application to be Heard on 6th July
The Elmbridge Planning website states that the Waterside Drive Sports Hub application will be considered by the North Area Planning Sub-Committee (NAPS) on Monday 6th July and, because of the number of objections, it would also be considered at the Full Planning Committee scheduled for 14th July.
For those who have not been following the story, the Development will comprise a new football and athletics stadium with spectator seating and detached two storey building incorporating changing facilities, storage, function and club rooms; floodlighting, additional football and sports pitches, new car park and access road, ancillary storage sheds and spectators shelters, hard & soft landscaping, dog walking area, fenced picnic area/playground and new electric substation following demolition of existing football club and facilities.
LOSRA's objections have been confined to the likely impact of noise and light pollution likely to affect residents on the north bank of the Thames and the adverse effect on the tranquillity of the riverside environment.
'Eco Park' Update
The following email has been received from the Regional Communications Manager, SITA UK and is reproduced here:
As you know work is now underway on the Eco Park development and we thought it would be helpful to update you on progress to date and the communications activity being undertaken. The early works are progressing well, the working area has been fenced and work began last week on building the footpath diversion and access roads. Preparatory works to the rear of the site and inspections and surveys are underway, and temporary site management facilities have been installed.
We have prepared a six-page update for local residents, which will be distributed Wednesday this week and I have attached a copy for your information. Please note that this refers to a new website for the project, which will be launched later in the week and is therefore not currently available.
We have widened the distribution area for this update in response to feedback from Spelthorne Borough Council, and this now takes in around 16,000 homes, including parts of Sunbury Common and Laleham & Shepperton Green wards that weren’t previously included.
We are also holding drop in sessions for local residents at the Sunbury Golf Centre on Charlton Lane on:
- Wednesday 8th July, 3pm to 8pm
- Saturday 11th July, 11am to 4pm
In addition to the update, we are promoting the drop in sessions through posters in the local area.
We are also planning communications about changes to the community recycling centre service to cover the centre’s wider catchment area.
Kind regards,
Emma
Emma Jordan
Recycling and waste recovery UK
Regional Communications Manager
NB. Representations have already been made regarding the scheduling of the drop-in sessions as they conflict with a number of local events which have clearly not been taken into account. To see the six page update, click here: Readers will form their own views on the artist's impressions which depict a truly idyllic environment at the Charlton Lane Community Recycling Centre!
Looking for an Allotment?
If you're looking for an allotment in Spelthorne now is the time to sign up as the Council has vacant plots in four of its sites in the Borough:
- London Road, Staines-upon-Thames
- Groveley Road, Sunbury on Thames
- Oakhall, Sunbury on Thames
- Shortwood North
For more details, click here
The British Blues All Stars Come Sunbury Cricket Club, 3rd July
The big events keep coming to the SCC, because in less than two weeks’ time, on Friday 3rd July, world class blues returns to Sunbury in the form of THE BRITISH BLUES ALL STARS. The show sees the return to the Club of Dave Kelly, who played a sold-out gig at the Club last year. Dave is one of the UK’s very best slide guitarists and singers - he started his career alongside his sister, the late great Jo-Ann Kelly, and with Paul Jones was a founder member of The Blues Band, with whom he has played for 35 years. He has played with a host of blues greats like Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy.
Dave is joined by the legendary R&B keyboard star Zoot Money, a regular at the Marquee and Flamingo Clubs as well as the early Jazz & Blues Festivals with his Big Roll Band, and had a hit in 1966 with “Big Time Operator”. He has been a fixture on the scene ever since and is currently playing with Alan Price.
On drums is another major name in Pick Withers, an original member of Dire Straits, playing on their first four albums, including the hits “Sultans Of Swing”, “Romeo & Juliet” and “Private Investigations”, since when he has been much in demand playing with many other top artists.
The line-up is completed by another original and current member of The Blues Band, Gary Fletcher, on bass and Pete Emery, who like Dave Kelly, honed his skills playing the circuit with Jo-Ann Kelly and other quality British bands.
It is something of a coup to get a band of this stature playing in Sunbury, and it will be a night to remember. It will undoubtedly be a busy night, so the Club will be bringing in some extra seating, and will set the room out partly theatre-style so it can be sure to accommodate the numbers they expect the gig to attract as comfortably as possible.
To see full details of the players, click here
Local Plan Review
The following announcement has been sent to LOSRA by Spelthorne Borough Council:
The Council is in the process of reviewing its Local Plan which sets out how much development should be allowed in Spelthorne
The review will have to balance the need for new homes and jobs against the ability to accommodate development taking into account issues such as Green Belt, flood risk and infrastructure. At the end of the review exercise the Council will put forward how much development it thinks can be met to an independent Planning Inspector.
In preparing the Local Plan, the Council has to discuss and share its work with a wide range of other bodies to help understand whether it is taking account of planning issues across a wider area. As part of these discussions Spelthorne and Runnymede Councils have been working together to look at housing needs across their combined area over the next 20 years in a Housing Market Assessment.
The assessment is required by government and must consider future housing needs based on population and jobs growth without taking into account whether the Borough can meet this. As such, these figures are what would be required in an ideal world to meet this assessed demand, rather than what the Borough can accommodate. This aspect will be explored at a later stage as a separate part of the review of the Local Plan. Only after this will any decisions be taken.
A draft of the housing market assessment is due to be considered by Cabinet on 24 June. If agreed, the Council will be seeking views on the draft assessment in accordance with the Council’s proposed Statement of Community Involvement. The assessment will be just one part of the evidence to inform the review of the Local Plan.
Cllr Vivienne Leighton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Corporate Development said: “The Local Plan will set out the levels of development we expect to see in the Borough to 2033 and the Housing Market Assessment is a new statutory requirement which forms just one part of the evidence to inform this. I must stress these figures are not the end result; this will be curtailed by the physical capacity of the Borough. To involve stakeholders at the earliest opportunity and before key decisions have been made we are publishing our draft Housing Market Assessment from 25 June on our website and welcome comments from residents and businesses.”
Cllr Richard Smith-Ainsley, Chair of the Planning Committee said: “The draft Housing Market Assessment is due to be published on 25 June and will be available for comment on the Council’s website. A separate exercise to establish the amount and type of housing the Borough can sustain will be carried out later. This will take into account all of the factors, such as Green Belt and flood plain that restrict development in Spelthorne.”
LOSRA expects to take an active part in the Review and has asked to be represented on the Stakeholder Forum which will be involved throughout the Review period. That request has been agreed.
