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 2024 are now payable.
Lower Sunbury Policing Update - October 2011
PC Caroline Barnes has sent her report for the month of October.
Click here to view October's report, or click here for a list of all Police reports
St. Mary's Church Fair, 12th November
St. Mary's Church will be holding a fair on Saturday 12th November between 10am and 2pm to raise funds to repair the Church roof (or to buy a supply of buckets!).
The fair will feature all the usual favourite stalls, raffles, jewellery, toys, fairtrade goods. Hot and cold refreshments will also be available in the Parish Hall.
All are welcome to come and support the Parish in a project which is vital for the future of our Church.
Advertising Standards Authority Slams Eco Park Publicity
A profit-driven corporate giant has shown a disgraceful contempt for a community which was never expected to fight back. The 'Eco Park' Contractors, SITA, have been shamed by the Advertising Standards Authority for misleading Sunbury and Shepperton residents. If the Eco Park was such a fantastic and ground-breaking solution to our waste disposal problems, why did they try to deceive us by misrepresenting its environmental benefits? The illustrative drawings were misleading; the claim that it was a proven technology was untrue, as was their claim that the technology was operating successfully elsewhere.
The Campaign Group opposing the Eco Park (LOSRA, Charlton Village RA & Shepperton Against the Eco Park (SATEP)) has always contended that SITA UK, the contractors for the Eco Park at Charlton Lane had misrepresented the facility in their publicity literature and via the media. A complaint had been lodged with the Advertising Standards Authority and readers may remember that the findings of the ASA were appealed to The Independent Reviewer of ASA Adjudications, Sir Hayden Phillips (See article of 30th August).
As a consequence, the ASA has reviewed its original decision and its findings are summarised as follows:
The technology is not proven, as claimed by SITA. Shepperton would receive an untried, untested prototype gasification unit.
The reference sites that SITA claim are "operating successfully with emissions falling within predicted levels" has been ruled as misleading, unsubstantiated and also fail on environmental claims, as the quoted Dumfries site has suffered operational issues since inception and experiences emission breaches on an alarmingly regular basis.
Drawings used to illustrate the Development have also been deemed to be misleading, as the true scale of the buildings and height of the planned 49 metre stack were not accurately depicted.
Due to SITA's company policy of not holding large public meetings, the majority of their public consultation has been conducted through awareness-raising tools such as Newsletters, their website, media articles and other marketing materials. However, with this ASA ruling deeming SITA's publicity material to be flawed at a basic level, it must now be arguable that SITA's claims to have held satisfactory public consultations are themselves unsupportable. For Press Release, click here. For the ASA adjudication, click here.
Last chance to respond to Aggregates Recycling Proposals in Surrey Minerals Plan
Those of you who responded to earlier phases of the consultation on the proposasl in the Surrey Minerals Plan will have had details of how to view and respond to the proposals. The deadline for responses has been extended to 28th October 2011, so there is still time for you to get your views registered. This can be done via the on-line forms at www.surreycc.gov.uk/mineralsplan, or you can download Word versions of the forms and print them out to send by post.
LOSRA and SSAGE (Sunbury & Shepperton Against Gravel Extraction) have made their respective representations. The relevant parts of the proposals as far as Sunbury and Shepperton are concerned relate to proposals for a permanent Aggregates Recycling plant at Charlton Lane Recycling Centre (if the EcoPark does not go ahead) and a temporary Aggregates recycling plant at Watersplash Farm which would remain for the duration of gravel extraction works there, assuming that gravel extraction goes ahead at this site.
We are only allowed to comment on the legal compliance and soundness of the plans. You can read and download LOSRA’s submissions here – this may help you to make a submission without wading through the mountain of documentation which these consultations inevitably involve. The references B3 and B4 in the document refer to the relevant sections of the response form.
Next Music Night at Sunbury Cricket Club is Friday 28th October featuring The Mustangs
Top blues/rock band The Mustangs are appearing at the next Music Night at Sunbury Cricket Club on Friday 28th October from 8.30pm. The Mustangs, from S.E.London, are one of the most popular and successful bands on the Blues Festival circuit, but they are no ordinary blues. Featuring dynamic front man Adam Norsworthy, their high octane stage act comprises mainly original material, which they describe as “blues-inspired”.
Your correspondent has seen them recently at Maryport and Swanage Blues Festival and can vouch for the fact that they will deliver a great evening’s entertainment. They have just released their sixth CD – you can hear clips of their music on their web site at www.themustangs.co.uk. Attached is a flier for the event – please download it and forward it to any friends and associates who might be interested. Sunbury Cricket Club is in Lower Hampton Road TW16 5PS, admission £5.
Police College Sale; Public Exhibition of Development Plans
After their purchase of the Police Training College in Green Street, Linden homes are now consulting the public about the plans they have for the residential development of the Site. To this end, the Company will be holding a public exhibition at the Riverside Arts Centre, Thames Street on Tuesday 1st November, between 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
The latest plans will be on display and members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions and listen to comments and feedback.
The exhibition follows meetings which have already been held with neighbours and other 'stakeholders' including LOSRA.
More...
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.
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
