Planning Application for Police College site in Sunbury
The former Police college site on Green Street in Lower Sunbury is the subject of a major planning application from Linden Homes. The application seeks permission to build 49 new homes on this landmark site overlooking the Thames and on the edge of the Lower Sunbury conservation area.
It would be unreasonable to argue that the site should not be redeveloped, but it is vital that it is done sensitively and improves the locality. It is not enough to say that the police college is unsightly, whatever replaces it should enhance the area and respect the local architecture and spacial layout.
Key issues on this application are:
· Density of the housing
· Loss of trees
· Location entrance
· Distance of houses from the road
· Level of parking provision
Local Liberal Democrat Councillors Sandra Dunn and Caroline Nichols have already asked a number of questions of the Council and will continue to watch the situation closely.
Local campaigner Bernie Spoor has said "This is an important site which should not be over-developed. I would encourage all residents to keep a close watch as the plans are submitted and let Spelthorne Council know their views."
Linden Homes recently had a planning application refused on the Environment Agency site on Fordbridge Road following a vigorous campaign by local residents against what was considered to be an over-development. Linden Homes took that application to appeal where it was comprehensively rejected by the Planning Inspector.
Linden Homes have been subject to negative publicity for some of their local developments, particularly for a development in Teddington.