Working for Constituents - Environment Campaign

Saving Surbiton's "Green Lung by the Thames"

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Before the election I spoke out against the proposal by Thames Water to build on Surbiton's riverside. So I was delighted to be able to take a leading role in the campaign to save the Seething Wells' filter beds after the election.

The campaign's case is a strong one. The seven old filter beds have become a haven for many species of beautiful wildlife. Lying next to the River Thames and opposite Hampton Court, the spot is quite unique. The rest of Surbiton and the Borough have already seen substantial amounts of development recently - including over a thousand dwellings built on the rest of the old Surbiton waterworks, bringing Thames Water millions of pounds. This is one development too far.

Local people formed a group called SPACE - Sustainable and Precious Asset for the Community to Enjoy. Members included the Kingston Upon Thames Society, ThamesBank, Surbiton Central Area Residents' Association (SCARA) and the Residents Planning Alliance. At a number of meetings we plotted our strategy, first with respect to the Council, to win their support, and then for the Planning Enquiry held at the Guildhall in December 1998.

To show that we had a constructive approach to the issue, SPACE drew up a new planning brief for the site, aimed at enhancing its historical and ecological value. Detailed work was done on the ecology Water's proposed development are not just to the immediate environment. The development itself would cause increased traffic on the already congested Portsmouth Road, increased strain on already stretched local medical, leisure and education facilities, disruption to local residents due to prolonged construction time and a physical barrier to the idyllic views of Home Park Farm and Hampton Court. The proposed tower blocks were four stories high in one of the many applications the developers submitted! inspector preparing a report for Government Ministers. Along with others, I gave evidence at the Enquiry's hearings.

At the time of writing, we are still awaiting the result of this Enquiry, seven months afterwards. Much hangs on this decision. If the Council's decision to reject the application is upheld, it would be a major victory for our community. It would open the way for the people of Surbiton to access their riverbank and enjoy this space for the first time in generations.

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