This aspect of enabling members of the community to help determine the future of a significant asset, largely unused at present, marked the consultation as an out-of-the-ordinary exercise in grass roots democracy and planning decision-making.  In effect, residents were being offered a real say in how to shape the area.

As a consequence, the landowners are commissioning a more detailed look at traffic and transport, preparing more detailed proposals for the open space and carefully examining the design of the site boundaries.

The response to this unusual opportunity was “largely positive”, said DLP Planning director Neil Osborn.  “Naturally, there are individuals opposed in principle to any change.  We are looking beyond them, to the normally silent majority who may be reluctant to give their opinions in public.  We enabled them to complete questionnaires online as well as on paper, and it is evident that many of them appreciated the chance to air their views and are taking a balanced, wait-and-see approach.”

Of the total responses to date, 53 per cent were not opposed to the vision and 49 per cent did not disagree with the objectives.  Although many had reservations about developing on green belt, many also wanted the land opened up for public use.  Other key issues raised included traffic congestion and whether the local infrastructure, sewage and schools in particular, could cope.  Almost two out of three, 64 per cent, did not disagree with the aim of limiting development to between 40 and 60 per cent of the site, while 83 per cent selected as most appropriate a concept involving 40 per cent development.  Two-thirds preferred development on the western half of the land furthest from Chertsey Road.

Strong majorities were expressed in favour of reduced energy use, rainwater harvesting and extended household recycling, designated dog walking areas, children's play facilities and CCTV in some areas.  Provision of sports and recreation facilities, including cycling, tennis, football and swimming, and nature conservation, were desired.

Neil Osborn concluded:  “The status quo is not an indefinite option.  The land amounts to 122 acres, or half a square kilometre, and keeping it largely overgrown and inaccessible except for anglers and a few horses is not realistic or sustainable.  It deserves a long-term future, one which opens attractive green space to local people – a future they want, and have a say in.

"At this early stage, we are encouraged by what we would describe as an even-handed and responsible response.”

The initial consultation has now ended with its assessment, but at each further stage in taking the proposals forward, members of the local community are promised they will again be asked for their preferences.

ends

More than 5000 householders living close to a former gravel pit and landfill site in Lower Feltham have been invited to help shape the future of the area. More.

A potential development is being considered by Strategic Land Planning Trust to provide homes and possibly employment on half the 122-acre site, enabling public access to the other half for leisure and recreation.

The land, known locally as Greenhams, is between Chertsey Road and Ashford Road.  It has been largely derelict and overgrown for some time.  It is entirely fenced off and its use is presently limited to fishing by the Feltham Angling Club and the grazing of horses. 

More than 160 residents from the surrounding roads in Lower Feltham, Sunbury Common and Ashford Common attended the exhibition, held in a marquee at the site on Friday, September 12 and the following morning.  Planning consultants and other advisers were on hand to answer questions.

The plans on show embodied preliminary ideas from consultations within the community.  Householders were asked in particular for their opinion about how they would wish to see the public open space laid out, and what facilities they would like to see created there. 

Neil Osborn, director of DLP Planning, leading the public consultation, wrote in his invitation letter:  “The fact is, the whole site is designated green belt.  But the purpose of green belt is not merely to prevent inappropriate development:  it is also positive – to provide people with access to open countryside, outdoor sport and recreation, and attractive landscape, to improve land where it is damaged or derelict, and to help nature conservation.  None of these aims for the site, set out by Hounslow Council 10 years ago, are being achieved at present. 

“We believe they can be – to the lasting benefit of the community.  We want to show you how, and to ask you what your own wishes and priorities might be.  Please try to join us and to participate in a genuine community consultation.”

Residents unable to attend the consultation can view the information online at