Reference: APP/Z5630/X/21/3267837 – Erection of new safety fencing and resurfacing of existing bound surfaces – Seething Wells Filter Beds, Portsmouth Road, Surbiton
Dear Planning Inspectorate
On behalf of Kingston Residents Alliance, we are writing in support of upholding the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK)’s original decision on appeal APP/Z5630/X/21/3267837. We also support RBK’s decision to enact an Article 4 direction on the site.
We agree with the resident campaigners Seething Wells Action Group’s argument that this is one of a series of applications designed to confirm any Permitted Development rights. Ultimately this tests the resolve of the council and local campaigners, who wish to continue to protect Seething Wells’ existing, well-established, planning and nature conservation designations. This is potentially a backdoor to residential development, without any clear motivation to enact the plans in hand.
It is also our belief that the erection of security fencing will have a detrimental impact on the openness of the MOL, views across the river and the SINC by restricting the movement of waterfowl and other wildlife in the green chain, in proximity to the Bushy Park/Home Park Site of Special Scientific Interest. As such, RBK was right to enact the Article 4 direction. As an independent residents’ group, we will be watching the future of this direction at the relevant committee on 17th March 2021, following public consultation. No decision should be taken on this case until this has been decided.
We urge the Inspectorate to uphold RBK’s decision to prevent future vexatious applications and to encourage the appellants to submit full, formal applications for any works they plan on site.
Dear Planning Inspectorate
On behalf of Kingston Residents Alliance, we are writing in support of upholding the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK)’s original decision on appeal APP/Z5630/X/21/3267837. We also support RBK’s decision to enact an Article 4 direction on the site.
We agree with the resident campaigners Seething Wells Action Group’s argument that this is one of a series of applications designed to confirm any Permitted Development rights. Ultimately this tests the resolve of the council and local campaigners, who wish to continue to protect Seething Wells’ existing, well-established, planning and nature conservation designations. This is potentially a backdoor to residential development, without any clear motivation to enact the plans in hand.
It is also our belief that the erection of security fencing will have a detrimental impact on the openness of the MOL, views across the river and the SINC by restricting the movement of waterfowl and other wildlife in the green chain, in proximity to the Bushy Park/Home Park Site of Special Scientific Interest. As such, RBK was right to enact the Article 4 direction. As an independent residents’ group, we will be watching the future of this direction at the relevant committee on 17th March 2021, following public consultation. No decision should be taken on this case until this has been decided.
We urge the Inspectorate to uphold RBK’s decision to prevent future vexatious applications and to encourage the appellants to submit full, formal applications for any works they plan on site.
