Surbiton Filter Beds planning application submitted
By Surb_People | Thursday, October 06, 2011, 16:47
The Surbiton Filter Beds site planning application has been submitted by the developer. The application is to build 64 new homes, a nature reserve, marina, education centre and restaurant.
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The Surbiton Filter Beds site as it would look from the balcony of the proposed new restaurant
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A plan of the Surbiton Filter Beds proposals
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Surbiton Filter Beds in Portsmouth Road
The application is slightly controversial because the area has been designated as Metropolitan Open Land and is the site of an important historical water-works. However, the plans have also gained much support from some local residents who like the idea of improved public access to the riverside, with a new footpath. The applicants are also promising to improve the ecology of the area with improved planting and a better maintained river area.
The proposed new homes will use floating technology, so that the homes float on a moveable pontoon. The height of the buildings will be no higher than the railings on Portsmouth Road and the photovoltaic panels on the roofs have, in key areas, been replaced with planting to keep views across the site as 'green' and natural-looking as possible.
Another change to the application since the public exhibition is the reduction of the proposed moorings from seventeen to seven. There is no news on who would run the restaurant which is proposed to be next to the Pump House building.
I can understand why some people are concerned about this application, as it's an important site in Surbiton. However, I tend to agree with those who support this application. I'd love more public access to the riverside with a new riverside path and restaurant. The current site is cut-off and is a waste of space as far as I'm concerned.
We haven't seen all of the details yet, so there may be a few things that need changing, but I do like the general idea of limited development to enable public access. The full details will be available on the Kingston Council website soon, once it is registered. There is currently some low-level maintenance and survey work taking place on site.
What do you think of the plans now the planning application has finally been submitted?
Comments
Bring it on! The new restaurant and marina sounds great for a wander around on a sunny day.
By Garethealing at 14:27 on 11/10/11
ReportI think this seems to be a good idea. It's great down by the river towards Kingston and it would be lovely to have access to a stroll along the river nearer to home. Glad to hear that they have made the roofs greener.
By SueBradx at 11:58 on 08/10/11
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