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Sunday, 16 September 2012 09:04

The Blot on the Landscape aka Thames Corner

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(4 votes)

The Blot on the Landscape aka Thames CornerThames Corner in French Street, at the junction with Thames Street, is a site for which planning permission has been granted; and it's one of those sites specified by the Government which would, and could, provide its share of the 450,000 dwellings just waiting to be built. When it comes to 'banking' land, developers seem to care little for the degrading effect such sites may have on the resident community and adjoining properties - and this site is an example of that lack of care.

When such plots are neglected, it is only a matter of time before the security of the site becomes compromised by fly-tippers and other anti-social elements who are drawn to it like moths to a flame.

The Thames Corner site has been on our agenda for a very considerable time but it seems that, legally, there is nothing that can be done to enforce the commencement of construction. Residents should however be aware that we are in constant dialogue with the Council in order to minimise the worst effects of the neglect and to call the owners to account. If you have cause to complain it would be well worth remembering that your local councillors for Sunbury East ward, Suzie Webb, Caroline Nichols or Alf Friday are only an email or phone call away.

3 comments

  • Comment Link C Hamiton Thursday, 27 September 2012 13:54 posted by C Hamiton

    With thanks - well done. I shall keep an eye

  • Comment Link John Hirsh Thursday, 20 September 2012 15:05 posted by John Hirsh

    Thanks very much for that. I have an update for you: Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 provides local authorities with an additional, discretionary power for requesting a landowner to clean up 'land adversely affecting the amenity of the neighbourhood' . Local authorities also have powers to effect clean up works themselves under section 215 and to recover costs from the landownder. S.215 powers are effective as a 'threat' or informal mechanism for cleaning up sites not least because it is often cheaper for the landowner to carry out the necessary work. We are delighted to have been assured by the Deputy Head of Planning Services that Spelthorne Council has now embarked on this course of action. Hope that helps.

  • Comment Link C Hamilton Monday, 17 September 2012 12:09 posted by C Hamilton

    Timely article as the plot has currently been broken into several times in the last week and is full of rubbish. I think the Council needs to be a little more proactive here - other councils in the UK will enforce a charge on the property to cover maintenance / safety costs or consider compulsory purchase.....