17.08.09 PUBLIC WINS CHANGES TO LOWER FELTHAM LAKES SITE

Preliminary designs for the partial development of the Lower Feltham Lakes site have been amended to reflect feedback from local residents who have participated in consultations.

Responding to concerns expressed by some neighbouring homeowners, the owners have evolved plans to create a broad boundary around the site. This will consist of new tree planting to provide a screen, a green corridor to create a wildlife refuge, and a combined footpath and cycleway bordered by shrub barriers and grass verges.

The land consists of 122 acres off Chertsey Road. Set within designated green belt, it is mostly derelict, fenced off and overgrown and has been used for uncontrolled landfill. Former gravel pits remain as fishing lakes for use by local anglers, and horses are grazed on other parts.

The landowners propose to develop half the land for residential or employment use, depending on local demand, keeping the other half as public open space with improvements to meet community interests. These could be sports pitches, children’s play areas, an open air theatre, a nature reserve, a community centre and other possible recreation facilities.

The aim is to hold another exhibition as plans evolve further, almost certainly next year. Last September 5,500 households within half a mile of the site entrance were invited. The net is likely to be drawn even wider next time. Meantime, anyone interested can go online at www.planningconsultation.com and register for updates.

Neil Osborn, director of DLP Planning commented: “The consultation process will continue. We’re not just going through the motions, paying lip service to the idea of community engagement. We actually wish to know what people want in terms of design, land use and public benefits. It’s a genuine opportunity to influence how a largely unused eyesore, green belt in name only, can be transformed.

“It means a well-designed low-density development that people can accept funding a valuable social asset that people really want.”

Please click here if you would like to view the above plan as a PDF. 

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