Surbiton Filter Beds developers claim public support

Hydro Group has claimed that the Surbiton Filter Beds Plans have received support from the majority of Surbiton residents who attended the recent exhibition.  However, SCARA (the local Residents Association) discussed the proposals at their AGM last night and they still have major concerns.

At the SCARA AGM last night, there were differing opinions on the plans.  However, it was clear that quite a few of the committee members and normal members were still against much of what is currently being proposed.  Some of those who spoke last night did not want the 90-birth marina, yet of those who attended the exhibition only 21% thought it would not be a good use of the land. 

The following results were gained from the completed feedback forms:

• 76% supported the plans to build 60 floating homes, give public access and set up a nature reserve.
• 80% supported the opening up of the site for public access.
• 97% supported the setting up of the nature reserve and other ecological proposals.
• 73% supported the idea of keeping the development below the top of the Portsmouth Road railings.

The Thames Sailing Club have well publicised concerns about the proposed moorings outside the marina and this was also mentioned by 23% of those who responded.  Hydro Group have promised to continue discussions with the Sailing Club in an effort to get an acceptable solution.   Phillip Wallis, Managing Director of Hydro Group said, “We are delighted that those workshops seem to have put us in broadly the right direction”.  

The proposals are going before the Council’s Development Control committee this evening for them to give some further feedback on the plans.  It’s the Development Control committee who will take the final decision once the final plans have been submitted to the Council.  The company hopes to submit a planning application before the summer.