As promised in the January edition of Sunbury Matters we now publish the notes which will fashion the Association’s response to the Preferred Options consultation on the Local Plan. It’s a bit of a heavy read but there is no escaping the technical detail which goes to the heart of our observations. Reminder: the date for replies through the Council website closes at 23.59 on 21st January.

To view the notes, click here

A recent application for the development of four houses at 37A French Street has proved to be very controversial. LOSRA has submitted a representation as follows:

It is noted that there is no design and access statement (DAS) to accompany this application which may have shed light on the reasoning behind what must surely be regarded as a highly speculative proposal for the over-development of this site.

Policy EN1 – Design of New Development

The development proposal fails to satisfy the following elements of the policy: (a) the creation of buildings and places that are attractive with their own distinct identity or make a positive contribution to the street scene and the character of the area in which they are to be situated; (b) achieve a satisfactory relationship to adjoining properties; (c) be designed in an inclusive way to be accessible to all members of the community regardless of any disability; (d) incorporate landscaping to enhance the setting of the development; (g) incorporate adequate provision for the storage of waste and recyclable materials.

Policy CO3 – Provision of Open Space

The development proposal is situated in an area of the Borough with inadequate open space. The Council should therefore require the provision of new on-site open space.

Car Parking

There is currently a single parking space serving the site with no proposed increase (vide the application form). The Supplementary Planning Guidance on parking standards require that 6 (rounded up) spaces be provided. This is particularly important as the site is poorly situated for public transport options. Furthermore, having viewed this site it is evident that the length of French Street most affected comprises some 70% dropped kerbs making out of hours on-street parking extremely difficult as things stand even today.

Conclusion

We submit that this planning proposal is poorly conceived and, in most respects, demonstrates scant knowledge of the Core Strategy and Policies Development Plan Document. We urge you to refuse.

Would you be prepared to pay a little extra on your council tax bill to further improve the policing service in Surrey?

Click here to register your response

On Friday 10^th January Sunbury Cricket Club kicks off the New Year in its customary style when they welcome back THE NASHVILLE TEENS in their now traditional New Year slot to start the year as they mean to go on.

They were one of the great names from the ‘60s who had two memorable Top Ten hits in 1964 with “Tobacco Road” and “Google Eye”, and have played storming gigs for the Club over the last six years, so we’re delighted to have them back again this year.

The line-up features their original lead singer Ray Phillips, who has had an unbroken half-century career with the band, as well as making solo records and performing with other line-ups like the British Invasion All-Stars with members of The Yardbirds, Creation and Downliners Sect.

With him in the current Nashville Teens is a line-up of seasoned performers, including Colin Pattenden, member of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band when they had their big hits back in the 70s, on bass, with Simon Spratley of The Ian Campbell Blues Band on keyboards, Ken Osborn from Levee Camp Moan on guitar, Adam Russel on harmonica and Adrian ‘Spud’ Metcalf on drums.

It will be another night of classic ‘60s R&B, featuring in Ray one of the great voices of the beat era. There’s more information at www.Nashville-Teens.com.

Food will be available as usual, so it’s hoped you can make it down to get this year’s Music Nights off to a cracking start. The Club looks forward to seeing you next week.

Simon Spillett is a multi-award winning English jazz tenor saxophonist.

He has won the BBC Jazz Awards Rising Star (2007), Jazz Journal's Critics' Choice album of the Year (2009), the British Jazz Awards Top Tenor Saxophonist (2011), the Services to British Jazz award (2016).

For details of times and venue, see poster here

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members for their support throughout the year and we are immensely grateful to them.

At this time of year there are many estimable claims upon our wallets but if you value our efforts to represent the local community, for the price of two cups of coffee, you still have time to secure your membership of £5 for 2019.

Please don’t hesitate, do it now by using this link, which takes you to the Membership page of our website.

Many thanks in advance!

An email to LOSRA from the Council is reproduced here:

We appreciate that resident's may have noticed the high level of the River Thames over recent days. Despite the predicted rain over the next few days the Environment Agency have said they are not expecting the Thames to flood except low lying land - not properties.

However, we would like to reassure residents we are monitoring the situation and have contingency plans in place to deal with flooding should the need arise.

You can sign up for warnings direct and for the latest information on flood risks here

Click here to see the poster for Old Mother Hubbard at the Riverside Arts Centre, 16^th -19^th January.

Tickets £12.

The following communication has been forwarded to LOSRA from Surrey Police:

On Wednesday 15 January 2020, we will be hosting a free ‘Policing Your Community’ event with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey at the Hythe Centre from 6:45pm.

This event will be your opportunity to hear from our Chief Officer Group on future plans and current challenges we face, and your Borough Commander on issues affecting your community. You will also have the opportunity to ask them questions you may have.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro will also be there to talk about his planned proposal for the 2020-21 Council Tax Precept and you will have the chance to take part in his public consultation.

The event is free to attend, but we recommend that you register your attendance which can be done on the link below.

Register to attend by going here

Coincidentally, the date advertised clashes with a police public event for Spelthorne at the Hazelwood Centre. Oh dear! See here

To view, click here