As with any other local neighbourhood, the policies and actions which affect the character and future of Lower Sunbury are generally framed and implemented by a combination of local and national government, along with the vested interests and market forces which operate within those frameworks. Lower Sunbury is by no means unique in being under threat from a creaking infrastructure brought about by rapid urban development, the growth of traffic, and other pressures affecting the quality of life and the character of the area.
Working with the local authorities, we see it as the responsibility of residents’ and amenity groups such as LOSRA to address the underlying issues which fundamentally affect their members’ lives, as well as the minutiae of everyday life with which such groups are often concerned.
Please sign up to receive our regular e-bulletins by subscribing via the facility at the top left hand of this page. It goes without saying that, without your continued support we would cease to function so we urge you to join, or renew your membership now Subscriptions (£5 per household) for 2023 are now payable.
LOSRA has been contacted by Jonathan Staddart, Director of CBRE Ltd to notify residents that a public exhibition will be held on 2nd August on behalf of the Salvation Army who have asked the Company to prepare a planning application to replace an accommodation block on their site at Sunbury Court. The plan's aim is to ensure there is sufficient space for the Army’s delegates and members when they need to visit. Below is the poster which is also being reproduced in the Surrey Herald:
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
PLEASE COME ALONG AND GIVE YOUR VIEWS!
The Salvation Army invites you to view our proposals for the partial redevelopment of the Sunbury Court site which involves demolishing the very dated accommodation block and outbuilding, and re-providing modern accommodation on-site with enhanced landscaping.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Date: Thursday 2nd August 2012
Time: From 2.30pm until 7pm
Venue: The Red Room, The Mansion House, Sunbury Court, Lower Hampton Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 5PL
Representatives from the Salvation Army’s professional team will be available throughout the exhibition to listen to your comments and answer questions you may have about the proposals and a questionnaire will be available for you to register your views.
For further information please contact: Jonathan Stoddart or Sam Jackson on Tel: 020 7182 2015 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
* on arrival at reception please ask to be directed to the Sunbury Court public exhibition in the red room
And now, as they say, for something completely different, as the SCC welcomes MOSQUITO-B this coming Friday 20th July.
The Club has had two stunning shows from the visiting North American artists with Buddy Whittington and Hamilton Loomis, and we can be certain that they're going to have another electric night with Canadian indie band MOSQUITO-B.
Their music is hard to pin down and if you check out the tracks on their web site at www.mosquito-b.com, you'll understand why.
It's all original songs, all very up-front and musical, and very exciting, so it's hoped that a big crowd will welcome them to Sunbury this coming Friday.
Further to the article published on 10th July below, the following reply has been received from the Case Officer at the Planning Inspectorate. Despite LOSRA providing evidence that the application would indeed "have significant effects beyond its immediate locality", the Secretary of State, doesn't agree; and signally fails to give a reason for his disagreement. Readers will have to make up their own minds as to the degree of enquiry devoted to LOSRA's request given that the reply appears to derive from a standard template and was turned around within 3 days.
The full text of the email is reproduced here:
Further your email of the 9th July 2012, regarding the above planning application.
Firstly, I would like to explain that local planning authorities have the statutory responsibility for considering proposals for development. Authorities have to determine planning applications in the light of the local development plan for the area and any other material planning considerations. They must also take into account any representations received and give reasons for their decision. The Government is clear that localism and decentralisation are at the heart of their planning agenda and the general approach of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government is not to interfere with the jurisdiction of authorities on planning matters
As requested, the Secretary of State has carefully considered this case against call-in policy, as set out in the 1999 Caborn Statement. The policy makes it clear that the power to call in a case will only be used very selectively. The Government is committed to give more power to councils and communities to make their own decisions on planning issues, and believes planning decisions should be made at the local level wherever possible.
The Secretary of State has carefully considered the impact of the proposal, and the key policy issues which this case raises. In his opinion, the proposals do not: involve a conflict with national policies on important matters; have significant effects beyond their immediate locality; give rise to substantial regional or national controversy; raise significant architectural and urban design issues; or involve the interests of national security or of Foreign Governments. Nor does he consider that there is any other sufficient reason to call the application in for his own determination. He has therefore decided the application should be determined at local level, and has not called it in.
In considering whether to exercise his discretion to call in this application, the Secretary of State has not considered the matter of whether the application is EIA development for the purposes of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011. The local planning authority responsible for determining this application remains the relevant authority responsible for considering whether these regulations apply to this proposed development and, if so, for ensuring that the requirements of the Regulations are complied with.
I appreciate that you will be disappointed with the decision. It is, however, now for Elmbridge Borough Council to determine this application.
Kind regards
Mrs M Peart
Casework Officer
Further to the article published on this Site on Wednesday 23rd May, LOSRA has now formally requested that the application by Elmbridge Borough Council be 'called in' by the Secretary of State. The following email was sent today:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: Land Adjacent to Xcel Leisure Complex, Waterside Drive, Walton on Thames KT12 2JG, Ref: 2012/1185, Elmbridge Borough Council, Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SD - Richard Morris, Head of Planning Services, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Further to recent correspondence from Mrs Muriel Bankhead, I write on behalf of this Association to support the request for a call-in by the Secretary of State in relation to the above application on the grounds that it falls within the criteria for the Secretary of State to 'call in'; namely, that it is "a development that could have significant effects beyond its immediate locality".
The Borough of Spelthorne has a duty as the local planning authority to prepare proposals for the preservation and enhancement of its conservation areas (S.71 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation areas) Act 1990) and it has acquitted itself of this duty as far as it falls within its remit do do so.
The character of any area derives primarily from its physical form both visually and from the expression of history which it represents; and secondly from the uses and activities within the area. A number of distinct elements have had an influence on the development of the Lower Sunbury Conservation Area and its character today, not the least of which is the River Thames and the residents or visitors, who enjoy its amenity.
In the nineteenth century many visitors began to be attracted to Lower Sunbury to use punts and rowing boats on the River. Recreational boating has in the last century largely taken the place of freight river traffic and both moored and moving boats remain a distinctive feature of Lower Sunbury. It goes without saying that views both towards and from the River Thames are one of the most important characteristics of the Conservation Area.
Alongside the River Thames to the south of Thames Street areas of open space provide direct views from the Conservation Area to the River and beyond. They provide both windows to the River and an important green backcloth for views from the River. The interspersing of these open spaces between building development is a very distinctive feature of the Conservation Area. In particular, Kings Lawn is a sloping grassy area opposite St. Mary's Church and the old brick wall boundary of Sunbury Park. It is a popular area for walking, sitting and fishing; and provides mooring for private and hire boats.
Whilst PPG2 has been superceded by The National Planning Policy Framework, para. 81 of the NPPF is quite specific: "....local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belts such as....to retain and enhance landscapes, visual amenity and biodiversity. This obligation is most certainly not confined to areas which fall within the purview of one local authority area alone but must necessarily extend to those adjoining it. This is a woeful oversight on the part of Elmbridge Borough Council who, it would seem, are minded to approve their own application.
Furthermore, as para. 89, NPPF allows for the provision of appropriate facilities for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation....it contains the important qualification: "as long as it preserves the openness of the Green belt". In this respect the application manifestly fails to meet the requirement when viewed from the River or its northern bank.
I would be grateful if this request for 'call-in' could be treated as urgent. It is intended that the application will be determined by the LPA on Tuesday 10th July, 2012.
Yours faithfully,
John Hirsh,
Hon. Chairman,
Lower Sunbury Residents' Association (LOSRA)
The following appeal has been received by LOSRA and we are pleased to reproduce it here:
Surrey Police is appealing to members of the public to come forward with information that could help the Force deliver a safe and secure Olympic Games.
With Surrey hosting the Torch Relay, Cycle Road Races and Cycle Time Trial, many people will be visiting the county during Games time. This makes Surrey attractive to some individuals or groups, who see it as an opportunity to commit crime, or disrupt the events in the county.
Planning for the Games has been ongoing for a number of years, and a lot of work has gone in to ensuring the county remains safe - but we need the public to remain vigilant. If you hear anything, or see anything, including information on the internet that you think looks suspicious or causes you concern, please let us know.
If you do have information to report please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) by dialling 101. To find out your local SNT, simply add your postcode into the Surrey Police website www.surrey.police.uk , or if you own a Smartphone, you can download the Surrey Police app, by searching for Surrey Police in the App Store or Google Play. Alternatively you can report online by visiting www.surrey.police.uk. If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or report online by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org
If you’re planning on going to any of the events then please ensure you plan your journey as there will be disruption on the roads. Make sure you keep your valuables safe, and let a friend or relative know where you’re going and what time you expect to return.
Chief Superintendent Gavin Stephens said:
“First and foremost, we want the Olympics to be enjoyed by everyone. If you’re going to an event, please visit www.gosurrey.info for useful information, and travel news.
We have been planning for this event for years and a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to ensure the county remains a safe place to live, work and visit.
We’re getting closer to the start of the Games now and it is vital we disrupt those intent on committing crime or using the Games as a platform to protest. If you have any information please contact us, even if you think it might be nothing, we will judge if the information you have is useful intelligence. For more safety and security advice, please visit www.surrey.police.uk/olympics. You can also follow your local SNT on Facebook and Twitter.”
Call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have information about a crime and don't want to leave your name.
The next Music Night at Sunbury Cricket Club is on Friday 13th July, when they welcome the Scott Willcox Big Band as part of the Sunbury & Shepperton Arts Festival.
SCC are no strangers to jazz at the Club, but it's certainly the first time in their recent season of events that they are presenting big band music, with an ensemble which will be at least 15 strong, so it will be quite an impressive sound.
Please note that the band will start pretty promptly at 8pm, so make sure you're there on time if you don't want to miss anything.
There is more info at www.scottwillcox.co.uk and www.ssaa-arts.org. Tickets, £10 may be purchased on the door or are available in advance from the Festival box office at 01932 567365.
LOSRA has pleasure in announcing the annual Picnic In The Park on Saturday 7th July and organised by Friends of Sunbury Embroidery. It’s a chance to bring your chairs, tables, candelabra and hampers to enjoy the delightful surroundings of the Walled Garden and listen to a concert by Richmond Symphonic Concert Orchestra, who will be playing a programme of film music and other similar repertoire.
Although it's summer, the vagaries of the weather so far this year make it impossible to predict the temperature, so bring something warm to wear just in case. This said, It has always proved to be a delightful evening and we’re usually lucky with the weather!
Gates to the Walled Garden will open at 6.15pm for a 7pm start. The concert will finish at approximately 9.30pm. Tickets are now available in the Embroidery Gallery. £12.50 adult and £6 for under 12s.
The following self-explanatory email from the Community Development Officer, SBC, has been received by LOSRA:
You and all member of your association, are invited to this year’s Spelthorne Together Assembly.
It will be on Thursday 27 September at Kempton Park racecourse.
Please distribute this email as widely as possible. Feedback from previous years strongly indicates that “new faces” should be encouraged to attend.
Bookings are required from those delegates who wish to attend the entire event and take part in the presentations / workshops
In a departure from previous years - for those who do not wish to attend the entire event, the popular “marketplace” with stands from dozens of local organisations, will be open throughout for casual visitors to drop in. No booking is required for this.
Stands will include the public sector (Spelthorne Council, Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue, NHS and so on); community and voluntary organisations including Age Concern, CAB, VAIS, Crest, Crossroads etc; private sector such as Heathrow and Spelthorne Business Forum.
We are planning to put on a borough map display of Residents’ Associations, showing location and areas represented, along with contact details.
This follows the exercise undertaken late last year where RAs were asked to provide details of where their members live.
Please use the online booking facility.
Thanks
Regards
Joanne Jones
Community Development Officer
Spelthorne Borough Council
Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, Middlesex TW18 1XB
office: 01784 446421
mobile: 0795 085 3031
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
LOSRA has today been informed that The old Surrey Police contact number 0845 125 22 22 is now permanently out of service.
The single non-emergency contact number is 101 or 01483 571212 can still be used if preferred.
Please only use 999 in a genuine emergency.
The London Irish applications for their Avenue site and Hazelwood Golf Centre were finally determined by Planning Committee on 21st June. Readers will be aware that the Planning Officer recommended approval of all three proposals and, after much debate, the Committee duly approved the development of Hazelwood but with conditions yet to be agreed.
The alternative scheme for The Avenue site, with its higher proportion of family homes and no flats, was also approved; and resulted in the original much denser scheme being withdrawn.
LOSRA has fought long and hard over the last 3 years - and much harder than some might suppose, to resist these developments but must now accept that the campaign is over. At the very least, and through the persistence of local campaigners, a plan which falls below even the minimum density prescribed in the Council's own planning policy has been agreed.
The Sunbury Summer Market will be making a very welcome return on Sunday June 24th from 11am – 4pm in Avenue Parade. This date has been moved from June 3rd as there were deemed to be too many clashes with other Jubilee activities.
Stalls will be selling food, gifts, clothing and there will be a face painter to decorate your children! The Lower Sunbury Business Community looks forward to welcoming local residents and outside visitors who may be in Sunbury for Open Gardens. If you are available and willing to help put up and take down stalls your help would be appreciated. Please speak to Dennis at Van Wonderen flowers, Avenue Parade.
LOSRA is immensely grateful to all those who attended our fundraising Garden Party on Sunday. A beautiful day saw a crowd of 450 local residents turn out to support the event which was made possible by the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Heslop, who live in the Old Vicarage in Church Street and offering to make their beautiful garden available to the Association.
As well as giving local residents the opportunity to view this lovely garden, the LOSRA Summer Garden Party offered food and refreshments including afternoon teas and coffee, bucks fizz and wine bar, a summer BBQ and food from "The Indian Zest." There was live music throughout the afternoon provided by a variety of local musicians and fun things to amuse children. Local products were also available for purchase from a variety of small stands. Boat rides to see the village from the river completed the list of attractions.
At the latest reckoning, and thanks to your generosity, we succeeded in raising £2080 after all expenses had been paid.
A steering group has been formed to consider the proposed development of the Riverside Works site in Fordbridge Road. Following numerous site meetings an information day will now be held at the Riverside Arts Centre on Saturday 23 June from 10am to 3pm, where you can find out more about the early plans for the site, give your feedback and get your questions and queries answered.
The steering group comprising the Hon.Chairman, LOSRA, John Hirsh and Jenny Grant of CAROD (Campaign Against Riverside Over-development) representing the local community, the developer Linden Homes and the Environment Agency, has as its purpose:
The steering group was formed following the dismissed appeal in February 2011. All involved recognised that it would be much more effective and productive if the different interest groups were to work together and resolve outstanding issues, leading to a development everyone could get behind.
The steering group has now met four times and has developed a set of principles for the development to inform everything going forward. Those principles are:
Building on these principles, the steering group has developed a draft overall site strategy plan along with two very early sketches showing a couple of layout options for the development. These plans are available to download and view by clicking here.
If you have any questions or queries regarding these early options, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SUNBURY ADULT LEARNING CENTRE, which is situated in The Avenue, offers a wide variety of courses such as ballroom and Latin American dancing, calligraphy, languages, photography, pottery and upholstery. There are Saturday workshops and a range of Supported Learning classes. The programme includes lip reading courses and English as a Foreign Language.
This is a great way to make friends while learning a new skill or brushing up on one. The Centre offers discounts for over 60’s not in full time employment (20%) and those on certain benefits (50%). The Autumn/Spring programme is available from 2nd July.
For further information phone 01932 794514 or click here for course information.