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Response Details

Response Details
From Friends of Hurst Park (Jill Sa…
Date Started: 19 Aug 2019 14:20. Last modified: 19 Aug 2019 14:20
Status Complete
Response ID #739834

1

Have you read the Options Consultation document?

You must provide an answer to this question.

  • Yes
  • No

2

Which area do you live in?

You must provide an answer to this question.

  • Claygate
  • Cobham
  • Esher
  • Hersham
  • Hinchley Wood
  • Molesey
  • Oxshott
  • Stoke D'Abernon
  • Thames Ditton and Long Ditton
  • Walton
  • Weybridge
  • Other

If other, please specify (200 maximum characters)
«No response»

3a

Place-making and the continued success of well designed, well-functioning places is fundamental to developing a growth strategy for the borough. What are the key characteristics that make your area a great place to live? (Maximum 500 characters)

Green spaces, the River Thames and natural habitat where our native indigenous species can thrive.

3b

What changes would you like to see in the borough over the next 15 years? (Maximum 500 characters)

Increase in the number of acres of green space given a designation that will protect them for nature. This is essential, especially, for children because they have to experience nature to understand its relevance to their lives and well-being, and to appreciate its intrinsic value. The value of natural spaces is not just for enjoyment but also for mitigation of climate change. Losing the natural "lungs" of our borough will have adverse impacts.

4a

This options consultation document sets out 5 options for housing growth for the borough.  These are:

Option 1-intensify urban area
Option 2-optimise urban area and 3 area of Green Belt release
Option 3-optimise urban area and large Green Belt release
Option 4-optimise urban area
Option 5-optimise urban area and small areas of Green Belt release

 

Which option will best suit your area?

 
  • Option 1
  • Option 2
  • Option 3
  • Option 4
  • Option 5
  • Other

Please tell us why you have chosen this option (Maximum 600 characters)
My belief is that we can optimise our already built areas and make the most of the brownfield sites for development without encroaching on greenbelt, parks, allotments or other open spaces so valued by residents. Also, public transport will be more successful with concentration of development in urban areas. Scattering new development about the greenbelt will increase traffic. Bus services are very poor across Elmbridge and everyone needs to be in walking distance (400m) of a train station wherever possible.

4b

Please give details of any alternative ways you think we could meet the government’s ambitious housing target for Elmbridge of 623 new homes each year for the next 15 years. (Maximum 600 characters)

 

As above, making the most of building in already developed areas and on brownfield sites. Imaginative use of high density housing with green walls, balconies, roof gardens, etc. to improve quality of life and the attractions of life without a garden outside the back door. There is much that could be done for families in higher rise buildings and intensification of land use could still leave space for communal garden areas at ground level.

5.

How do you think we should plan for the new homes we need in your area?

  • Higher densities
  • Green Belt release
  • A mixture of higher densities and Green Belt release
  • Other

Please provide any comments here (Maximum 500 characters)
Architecture would still need to complement existing development. However, the town centre and industrial areas could be improved with better quality and more attractive design. There are very poor buildings on the fringes of the industrial areas, for example, abutting housing, which could be improved in appearance and successfully converted for living in, especially with the imaginative approach to what is provided alongside any conversion to complement it.

6a

Are you aware of any planning issues that need to be addressed in our detailed day-to-day planning policies?

  • Yes
  • No

6b

If yes, please specify which planning issues

  • Density
  • Design / Character
  • Building heights
  • Parking
  • Conservation Areas
  • Historic features (e.g. listed buildings)
  • Sustainability / renewable energy
  • Flooding
  • Open spaces
  • Other

Please provide an explanation of the issue(s) (Maximum 400 characters)
It would be good to see every opportunity taken to improve biodiversity, also at street level where there are verges. Where new developments go ahead, hedgerows on boundaries should be retained, preserved and improved. New housing does not pay sufficient attention to energy - it is quite common to pass a new block of flats and get a puff of heat from an outlet. What will replace gas boilers?

7

Do you have any comments to make in relation to this Options Consultation? (Maximum 600 characters)

I do think every effort must be made to protect ALL undeveloped land in regards to climate change. We know the importance of vegetation and soft landscaping. Development must be focused into already developed areas and on brownfield sites.

8

Did you respond to the previous Local Plan Strategic Options Consultation in 2016?

You must provide an answer to this question.

  • Yes
  • No