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:
- To work together to support the best possible development of the Riverside Works site on Fordbridge Road in lower Sunbury, taking account of the views, needs and desires of all the parties involved.
- To work with the local community and other stakeholders and ensure they are involved and consulted in the planning for the site.
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:
- Separate access – one for residents, one for the Environment Agency to allow them to continue their vital maintenance work on the river;
- 2 storeys as the preferred height across the development, with the option of considering accommodation in the roof (i.e. 2.5 storeys) subject to the agreement of the steering group and the local community;
- Density – no more than 50 dwellings on the whole site (as specified in the Local Development Plan Document);
- A desire to see as many family homes on the site as possible, subject to the agreement of the local authority and the community;
- A commitment to ensure the development is of high quality and fits well within the lower Sunbury community;
- A workshop is part of the development and needs to meet the operational needs of the Environment Agency and take account of the needs and concerns of current and future residents and the wider community;
- All the parking for the development will be accommodated within the site.
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..
