Welcome to the LOSRA Website
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.
Revised and Final Response to National Planning Policy Framework
We are very grateful to all those who took the time to read and comment upon our response to the National Planning Policy Framework (See article of 29th September). The draft was discussed at our monthly Committee meeting on 11th October and the final (suitably amended) response has today been dispatched to the Department for Communities and Local Government. The NPPF, which has implications for all neighbourhoods, has been the subject of a great deal of negative publicity in the national press over the past few weeks; and LOSRA's response reflects the serious anxieties which exist both within Lower Sunbury and nationwide .
Despite Appearances Flowerpot Pub Open for Business
Following the recent external re-decoration of the Magpie, it now seems that it is the turn of the Flowerpot to have a face lift. No food is being served at the moment but the 'locum' manager, Pat, wants to let locals know that the pub is open for business. He is concerned that the scaffolding outside the building may give the impression that the pub is not trading. Not so.
Pat is a temporary manager only and the new proprietor is expected to take over in about a month's time.
Designing Public Services in Surrey - Join the Debate
This is an extract from an email received by LOSRA from Surrey County Council and is self-explanatory. All residents are being invited to participate.
Dear Sir or Madam,
Surrey County Council is currently running an online debate around residents' involvement in the future of their public services. Social media and online tools are transforming the way that people engage with each other, with the companies they buy from and the services they use. We want to know if this offers Surrey County Council an opportunity to find innovative new ways to involve people in designing public services in Surrey?
Digital Surrey Week acted as a launch pad for a conversation about how we put local people at the heart of decision making. For the next 11 weeks, until Friday 2 December, we're asking people to take the opportunity to join the discussion and let us know how they think we can best involve people in the design and delivery of services.
Visit the www.surreyhaveyoursay.info to read the discussion paper and submit the feedback form or post a comment in the forum.
Please also send the details to anyone you think would like to have their say on involvement. All thoughts and ideas will be reviewed and considered in shaping our approach.
Sunbury & Shepperton Arts Association Presents its Autumn Concerts
Sunbury & Shepperton Arts Association presents the first of its autumn 2011 concerts on Saturday 8 October at the Riverside Arts Centre, 59 Thames Street, Lower Sunbury.
It is a performance by Christine Townsend, violin, and Stephen Robbings, piano, who will perform works by Russian composers including Tchaikovsky (Scherzo and Melody Op.42) and Schumann (Sonata in D minor Op.121.)
Christine and Stephen formed their partnership in 1983 while studying at the Royal Academy of Music where they both won prizes and scholarships. Married in 1984, they have cultivated a unique musical identity, seeking to bring a diverse repertoire of chamber music to a wide audience through a relaxed and informative presentation. Their work has included regular recitals in London, frequently in the Purcell Room to enthusiastic audiences and reviews, educational work in schools and countless concerts throughout the country.
Christine has won acclaim for her performances of Tchaikovsky at the Edinburgh Festival and Mozart's Sinfonia Concertant at the Salzburg Festival and has been guest principal with the London Philharmonic and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, as well as guest leader of the Hallé and the Bournemouth Sinfonietta. Stephen, who graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with a first class honours, has the rare distinction of having won recital diplomas for both the Chappell and MacFarren prizes. He has performed an extensive repertoire of music at major venues throughout Britain, Europe, the Far East and the USA.
The next concert in the SSAA series, featuring The Lauriston Trio, will take place on Saturday 19 November at the same venue. The trio comprises Caroline Tait, violin, Babette Lichtenstein, cello, and Anthea Fry, piano. The trio’s programme includes Gabriel Fauré (Piano Trio Op 120) and Enrique Granados (Piano Trio Op 50)
Tickets for both concerts cost £7.50 and are available via the box office on 01932 782788 or on the door at the on the day. Ticket price includes coffee and croissants which will be served from 10.15 am.
National Planning Policy Framework; LOSRA's Draft Response
The draft LOSRA response to the National Planning Policy Framework is necessarily a bit lengthy, but residents are asked to put aside a few minutes to read and to comment before the final version is sent to the Department of Communities and Local Government.
On such an important issue, LOSRA wants to be sure that it speaks for the majority membership before submission.
If you wish to comment please Contact Us by 10th October. Thank you.
Music Nights at Sunbury Cricket Club a Big Hit
Sunbury Cricket Club has scored a big hit with its new series of regular monthly Friday Music Nights, featuring high quality blues, rock and jazz artists. The next attraction is on Friday 30th September, when top R&B singer Paul Cox is appearing with emerging French blues star Charlie Fabert, along with Paul’s regular band.
The line-up is making a return appearance, having played a storming gig at the Club back in May, which ended with Paul and Charlie rocking on the tables - they enjoyed it so much, they asked to come back while Charlie is in the UK to do a blues festival on the Isle of Wight with Paul. This is a gig not to be missed, and it’s happening at Sunbury Cricket Club, Lower Hampton Road, Sunbury, TW16 5PS from 8.30,admission £5.
The non-profit making Club has already staged gigs from top bands like the 60s All Stars, Protect The Beat (one of the UK’s best jazz-funk outfits), Presenze, and most recently Blues Patrol. Future attractions include, on Friday 25th November, the great Texan blues guitarist Buddy Whittington, for fifteen years a fixture with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, with Sunbury-based Darby Todd on drums.
The Sunbury Cricket Club music nights are open to all, with the added attraction of competitive bar prices, and the Cub is keen to build a regular clientele for the events. For further information, or to be added to the mailing list, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
More...
Spelthorne Council Responds to draft National Planning Policy Framework
Spelthorne Council has published its response to the draft National Planning Policy Framework and this may be viewed by clicking here. The Local Planning Authority has, amongst other things commented upon contradictions within the text, lack of definition and clarity; and insufficient recognition of local planning strategies or community input . LOSRA has no hesitation in endorsing the Council's response so far as it goes. We are in the course of drafting LOSRA's response which will be posted on the Website in the coming week for comments by members. (See article of 20th September below).
If you have not yet seen the Government's draft, if may be viewed by clicking here.
Draft National Planning Policy Framework - Petition to Save our Countryside
In evidence to the Audit Committee, the UK Environmental Law Association said the proposals in the National Planning Policy Framework were so flawed that “the system may well stumble and fall before it can find its feet” It’s earnestly hoped they are right. A barrister in a Bristol law firm said "We don't think the way it's phrased at the moment is going to speed up or simplify anything. It will just provide more fodder for argument". She agreed that it would be a financial benefit for lawyers adding "It will lead to more appeals, more inquiries, more legal challenges. The problem lies in the vagueness of the definition of sustainable development".
LOSRA is in the course of preparing a response to the consultation before the closing date on 17th October. A draft will be posted on this Website for comments before submission. In the meantime, please have a look at the email we received today and sign the petition if you agree:
Our English countryside is under threat again. The government is trying to rush through massive changes to the planning system, which would make it much easier to build on green field sites. We've just a few weeks to stop this happening.
Experts are lining up to condemn the government plans. The National Trust warns of "unchecked and damaging development". [1] Friends of the Earth predicts "a building free-for-all that will blight our countryside with bad building". [2]
A massive people-powered petition can make the government think again. It worked to stop England's forests being sold off. [3] It can work again to stop precious countryside being wrecked by bulldozers and concrete.
Please add your name now, then forward this message to all your friends:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/save-our-countryside
The English countryside is something we all enjoy. It's far too precious to build on willy-nilly. Once our green fields are gone, they're gone forever.
If we work together, we can stand up for a balanced, careful approach to deciding what to build and where to build it. We can protect local communities' right to have their say, make sure social housing is built where it's needed and protect wildlife and beautiful, tranquil places.
Having to act fast to stop an urgent threat to our countryside feels eerily familiar doesn't it! It's only a few months since half a million of us came together to stop plans to sell off England's forests. It worked that time - now let's come together again to stop this new threat to our beautiful green places.
Take two minutes now to add your name to the petition:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/save-our-countryside
Thanks for being involved,
David, Hannah, Johnny, Marie, Cian, Becky and the 38 Degrees team
PS: The government "consultation" ends in October. They say that after that they want to press ahead quickly. So we've got just a few weeks to make this petition huge. Please add your name now, then forward this e-mail to all your friends and ask them to sign too:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/save-our-countryside
Smoke Nuisance in Sunbury but Where is it?
A distressed member at the end of her tether has got in touch with LOSRA. Apparently a resident or business in the Batavia Road/Claremont area is burning waste through the night. She is amongst a number of residents who's comfort and sleep is regularly disturbed by the smoke being emitted from premises, the location of which and despite local enquiries, remains a mystery. A letter drop in the affected roads and in The Avenue has not produced any results and one resident is even considering moving from the area. Others with health problems are also vulnerable.
If you are aware of the premises or owner please bring this email to his/her attention. LOSRA would be happy to put both parties in touch with one another to attempt a resolution to the problem. Any information may be left with us through the Contact LOSRA menu option.
Shepperton Players at Riverside Arts Centre, 6th - 9th October
Shepperton Players present Last Tango in Whitby, by Mike Harding (directed by Marion Millinger).
Mike Harding's comedy follows a group of dancing friends on their holiday by coach to Whitby. The group are 'golden-agers' but far from past it, and holiday romance is in the air. Well-observed characters and a witty script promise lots of laughs (especially on "Talent Night") and some pathos beneath the mirth.
For those who remember tea dances in the church hall, this will be a riot of nostalgia.
The Last Tango will be bring laughter and tears - not in Whitby but in Lower Sunbury on October 6th-9th.
Riverside Arts Centre, 59 Thames St KT16 5QF.
Tickets available from the box office : 07505 206757
Sunbury Cricket Club Has a Successful Season
Sunbury Cricket Club have enjoyed another successful season in the top echelons of the Surrey Championship where all 4 Saturday XIs play in their respective Premier Divisions. The 1st XI came 2nd in a two horse race with Wimbledon who had the good fortune to play on days when the weather denied Sunbury the opportunity to start or finish matches when open skies allowed Wimbledon to play elsewhere.
The 2nd XI were 4th in their Division, just one point behind rivals Reigate Priory. The 3rd and 4th XIs both finished in a respectable 5th place. Strong performances by the Sunday Chieftains and Academy XIs, who fielded predominantly youth sides also reached more than respectable positions in the Thameside Surrey Cricket and Surrey Trust Leagues respectively. The Colts section also had runaway successes winning the Middlesex U15s title.
The season is not over yet with the final match scheduled for the 18th with plans for a late fixture on 25th September also being investigated.
Friday Music Night at Sunbury Cricket Club, 9th September
The regular monthly Friday Music Nights at Sunbury Cricket Club continue on Friday 9th September with the appearance of Blues Patrol. Led by singer Andy Roberts, the band were formed back in the '90s by the late guitarist Phil Newton, the band have carried on the tradition of performing classic blues and R&B, and are a popular attraction at many venues in the Surrey area. They will certainly kick off the autumn season of events with an entertaining show.
Sunbury Cricket Club is in Lower Hampton Road, just beyond Harfield Road. Things get going at about 8.30pm and admission is £5.00. All are welcome. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for information about forthcoming gigs at the Cricket Club, please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The music events at the Club are promoted under the auspices of the non-profit making Sunbury Sports Association, and are an important aspect of the SSA's strategy to maximise the income from the Club's facilities and bar to ensure the continued availability of high quality sports facilties at the Club, where the four league cricket teams have enjoyed another successful season in the Surrey Championship.
Sunbury Library Coffee Morning and Photo Exhibitions
Sunbury Library Coffee Morning on the first Friday of each month
Organised by The Friends of Sunbury Library but all invited. Coffee and cake for 25p at Sunbury Library.
The Parade, Staines Road West, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middx, TW16 7AB
The next one is on Friday 2 September, and then 7 October, 4 November & 2 December!
The next Sunbury & Shepperton Local History Society Photo Exhibition at Sunbury Library on Saturday 12 November
'Eco Park' Advertising Standards Authority to Look Again at Contractor's Claims over Incinerator
Some months ago the Advertising Standards Authority was asked to look at the Contractor's Claims regarding the 'Eco Park' incinerator at Charlton Lane. As will be seen from the attached link, only one of the five complaints was upheld: http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2011/5/SITA-UK-Ltd/TF_ADJ_50367.aspx
Since then, the findings of the ASA were appealed to The Independent Reviewer of ASA Adjudications, Sir Hayden Phillips and in a letter dated 25th August he wrote the following:
"As promised in my letter of 14 June 2011 I am now writing to let you know my conclusion on the request set out in your email to me of 13 June 2011 and in the light of the statement of case which you enclosed. I believe there are grounds for my taking the matter further. In due course, after I have completed some further work, I shall bring the case back to the ASA Council.
The next step is that I must give the advertiser the opportunity of commenting on your statement of case. Having considered any such comments, I will then invite the Council to decide whether or not to retain unchanged its published adjudication in this case. The Council will have before your email of 13 June and its enclosure. The Council will also have a recommendation from me as to the decision I consider it should make, but it is in no way bound by that recommendation. The Council’s ruling following its reconsideration is final. I will, of course, write to tell you of that ruling as soon as I know what it is.
I know you will understand that my decision does not necessarily imply that the Council will change its original verdict or any other aspect of the adjudication. It indicates simply that, having reviewed the ASA file in the light of your request and of the arguments you have put to me, I am satisfied that the Council should be given the opportunity to reconsider its adjudication.
Yours sincerely
Hayden Phillips*
(Sir Hayden Phillips GCB DL)"
LOSRA has been informally advised that requests for reconsideration of adjudications by the Independent Reviewer are unusual.
*Sir Hayden Phillips GCB DL is Chairman of the National Theatre, Independent Reviewer of the Adjudications of the ASA, a non-Executive Director of a number of companies and Chairman of Marlborough College. He was Permanent Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department from 1998 to 2004, and Permanent Secretary of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport from 1992 to 1998. Before that he held senior positions in the Home Office, the European Commission, the Cabinet Office and the Treasury. He became an Hon Bencher of the Inner Temple in 1998. He lives in Wiltshire (where he and his wife have a farm) and in London. Most recently known for his enquiry into political party funding and campaigning.
