The last newsletter described an application to replace 39 Gresham Road with a block of 7 flats, which was refused in March as contrary to Local Plan policies on appearance, housing density, and parking. This reappeared, very similar but with more parking, and was approved on 3 June. STS made a formal complaint to the Council on two grounds:
1) the Planning Committee meeting was held before the end of public consultation on this item. 21 letters were sent by neighbours opposing the scheme, but were not mentioned in the officer’s report to Councillors, as it had been written before the letters arrived.
2) in summing up the debate the vice-chairman advised members, more than half of whom were new Councillors at their first Planning Committee, to ‘look at the scheme as a whole’ and approve it even if they believed that a valid planning objection remained.
The Council rejected this complaint and we are taking it to the Local Government Ombudsman.
The first application for a large unsuitable extension at 78 Thames Side, downstream from the end of Wheatsheaf Lane, was also refused, but the owner continued to build it even after visits by the SBC Enforcement Officer. Eventually a second, mostly retrospective, planning application was made, and vigorously opposed by the site neighbours, whose light and river views were being blocked and spoiled. This application was refused on 21 October, and an Enforcement Notice issued for removal of the illegally built parts. The owner may appeal.
Government planning policy favours development over the rights of residents. STS has supported the neighbours affected by these two over-developments. We have also backed the neighbours asking SBC Environmental Health to act, yet again, on the noise nuisance caused by Hy-Ten, near Staines station. If noise from Hy-Ten troubles you also, please complain in writing to the Environmental Health Officer, as this strengthens his case for action.
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