LoSRA has now submitted its response to the Spelthorne Borough Council’s consultation on the New Local Plan. The Preferred Option in the Plan proposes the release of a significant amount of Green Belt land for development to achieve its allocated target of new homes.

LoSRA remains opposed to such development and the precedent it could set against the Government’s own definition that “the essential characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and permanence”.

Four parcels of Green Belt land have been identified for allocation in the Lower Sunbury area. LoSRA’s comments on these in its response to the Local Plan are focused on the largest of these proposed sites, namely that adjacent to Stratton Road, but similar arguments apply to all Green Belt sites proposed for allocation.

Having studied in detail the reasons for allocating this site, LoSRA believes that the consultant’s judgements made in the two Green Belt Assessment Reports were flawed. The Stratton Road site was originally part of a larger area of Green Belt rightly assessed as being “strongly performing” but was selectively downgraded when that larger area was subsequently sub-divided. LoSRA does not support that downgrading and believes that the Stratton Road site does and should continue to play its vital Green Belt role in helping to maintain separation and preventing urban sprawl. It also notes that any development of the proposed Stratton Road site would face considerable challenges due to the lack of supporting infrastructures.

Furthermore, LoSRA supports Spelthorne Council’s challenge to the Government to reconsider the high number of new houses it is required to see built in the borough as part of its new Local Plan.

Click here to view the LoSRA response (PDF document)

Spelthorne Borough Council has welcomed Heathrow Airport launching a further consultation in regards to their expansion plan.

For further details, click here

As promised in the January edition of Sunbury Matters we now publish the notes which will fashion the Association’s response to the Preferred Options consultation on the Local Plan. It’s a bit of a heavy read but there is no escaping the technical detail which goes to the heart of our observations. Reminder: the date for replies through the Council website closes at 23.59 on 21st January.

To view the notes, click here

A recent application for the development of four houses at 37A French Street has proved to be very controversial. LOSRA has submitted a representation as follows:

It is noted that there is no design and access statement (DAS) to accompany this application which may have shed light on the reasoning behind what must surely be regarded as a highly speculative proposal for the over-development of this site.

Policy EN1 – Design of New Development

The development proposal fails to satisfy the following elements of the policy: (a) the creation of buildings and places that are attractive with their own distinct identity or make a positive contribution to the street scene and the character of the area in which they are to be situated; (b) achieve a satisfactory relationship to adjoining properties; (c) be designed in an inclusive way to be accessible to all members of the community regardless of any disability; (d) incorporate landscaping to enhance the setting of the development; (g) incorporate adequate provision for the storage of waste and recyclable materials.

Policy CO3 – Provision of Open Space

The development proposal is situated in an area of the Borough with inadequate open space. The Council should therefore require the provision of new on-site open space.

Car Parking

There is currently a single parking space serving the site with no proposed increase (vide the application form). The Supplementary Planning Guidance on parking standards require that 6 (rounded up) spaces be provided. This is particularly important as the site is poorly situated for public transport options. Furthermore, having viewed this site it is evident that the length of French Street most affected comprises some 70% dropped kerbs making out of hours on-street parking extremely difficult as things stand even today.

Conclusion

We submit that this planning proposal is poorly conceived and, in most respects, demonstrates scant knowledge of the Core Strategy and Policies Development Plan Document. We urge you to refuse.

Would you be prepared to pay a little extra on your council tax bill to further improve the policing service in Surrey?

Click here to register your response

On Friday 10^th January Sunbury Cricket Club kicks off the New Year in its customary style when they welcome back THE NASHVILLE TEENS in their now traditional New Year slot to start the year as they mean to go on.

They were one of the great names from the ‘60s who had two memorable Top Ten hits in 1964 with “Tobacco Road” and “Google Eye”, and have played storming gigs for the Club over the last six years, so we’re delighted to have them back again this year.

The line-up features their original lead singer Ray Phillips, who has had an unbroken half-century career with the band, as well as making solo records and performing with other line-ups like the British Invasion All-Stars with members of The Yardbirds, Creation and Downliners Sect.

With him in the current Nashville Teens is a line-up of seasoned performers, including Colin Pattenden, member of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band when they had their big hits back in the 70s, on bass, with Simon Spratley of The Ian Campbell Blues Band on keyboards, Ken Osborn from Levee Camp Moan on guitar, Adam Russel on harmonica and Adrian ‘Spud’ Metcalf on drums.

It will be another night of classic ‘60s R&B, featuring in Ray one of the great voices of the beat era. There’s more information at www.Nashville-Teens.com.

Food will be available as usual, so it’s hoped you can make it down to get this year’s Music Nights off to a cracking start. The Club looks forward to seeing you next week.