A lively AGM was held at Tattenhams Library on the 23rd March.
Over 40 residents joined the committee to hear the Chair’s and Treasurer’s reports and to be advised that Councillor Jill Bray, if elected, will remain as one of our Borough Councillors.
The draft minutes of the meeting can be read here.
The main points of interest were two planning issues that are causing residents’ concern. The proposed artificial grass pitches at Shawley Way School raised the most debate, but closely followed by Raven Housing Trust’s plan to build social housing on five garage sites in the ward.
Jill Bray took the lead in explaining how the planning process worked and chairing a discussion on residents’ concerns. She explained that the School did have a planning application lodged with the Council, which many residents had commented on already; a revised application was expected on which residents would have a further opportunity to comment. The Raven project had not reached the stage of a full planning application and when that happened, residents would have the opportunity to raise objections. There would also be the opportunity for residents to speak at the Planning Committee to voice their objections.
There had been informal consultations by the applicants on both projects which may not have been handled well in terms of timing and notification. T&PRA had not received advance notice of the School project; but had contacted the School since. On the Raven project T&PRA attended the consultation and has made comments since then. Our councillors were particularly concerned about the lack of notice and short time scale of both consultations.
There has already been an extensive article in the Spring issue of Tattenham & Preston Residents Association Magazine on the School application which has recently been distributed to all homes in our Ward. (You can see more here concerning this application.) On the Raven application, T&PRA has delivered a flyer to homes near to each site, outlining concerns.
Discussion continued for almost two hours and some of the main concerns were:
Shawley Way School artificial grass pitches
- This was a commercial venture rather than just improving school facilities
- It would result in excess noise and light pollution
- The pitches would not just be used for games – they would be used for training
- There could be upwards of 50 or more people on site during the pitches use
- It would require additional facilities such as changing rooms and toilets
- There would be serious traffic and parking issues in the surrounding area
- A comparison was made with local commercial venture “Goals” at Tolworth to show the potential impact on the community
- There were a number of environmental issues including the impact on bats in the area
- Flooding could potentially be a problem should the grass areas be reduced
- The existing grass areas could be put to better use
It was clear from the discussion that a number of residents had considerable expertise (in terms of structural, sporting, environmental and social issues) and that this could be used to challenge this proposal. It was suggested that a working group be established, and a public meeting held. T&PRA would also distribute further information to residents through the T&PR eNEWS.
Raven Housing Trust garages
Raven Housing Trust proposes to demolish existing garages which they currently let out and replace them with social housing. There are five sites in T&PRA’s ward: Upland Way, Shawley Crescent, Downland Close, Ferriers Way and Hatch Gardens. Further details are available on our website https://www.tattenhamprestonresidents.org.uk/raven-garage-site-housing/
The main concerns raised were:
- The proposed density (number of houses) was too high in already heavily built-up areas
- Overlooking would be an issue impacting on residents’ privacy
- Artist impressions circulated appeared inaccurate (size)
- Inadequate parking facilities resulting in worse road congestion in the area
- Limited access – narrow roads not large enough for fire engines and refuse vehicles
- Refuse collection issues – bins having to be left at the end of roads
- Safety concerns in Upland Way as the access road is also a public footpath used by school children
- Potential flooding issues
- Concerns over loss of existing trees
The general view was that whilst the goal of more social housing was a worthy one, the proposals had not been fully thought out. In particular, the number of properties on each site needed to be reduced. Our local councillors will be having more discussions with Raven and will report back to residents.
We will keep residents informed of developments.