Members of Britain's oldest sailing club are concerned that new plans to develop floating homes and a marina in Surbiton will threaten its existence.
Hydro Properties are proposing to build 60 homes, a new lock, a nature reserve and an education centre on the former Thames Water Filter Bed site, in Portsmouth Road. However, members of Thames Sailing Club, fear that these plans will put the future of the club at risk as the development would reduce the width of the river available for sailing. They are also worried that this will jeopardise the safety of the river for all its users.
The club, which was founded in 1870, is home of the famous Thames 'A' Rater, a unique class of sailing boat which was specifically designed in Victorian times to make the most of the light river breezes in Surbiton. If the proposals were to go ahead, then this part of the river would no longer be suitable for racing these boats.
Comments
I have been to the exhibiton and the following should be noted.
1) They are to renovate the wall and railings.
2) There will be an underground car park for visitors and the housing units all have their own parking at the site.
3) There were no drawings of what the buildings and floating homes would look like face on to the Portsmouth road. They only showed the view of the end buildings which looked like a white 3 storey office block and very modern.
4) The view from the road will be of solar panels and the roof tops.
5) They think it will take 18 months to build.
Maybe those concerned about the development should write to Ed Davey (your local MP) 21 Berrylands Rd Surbiton KT5 8QX or email edwarddavey.co.uk or Zac Goldsmith (an enviromentalist) 12 King Street Richmond Surrey TW9 IND or email zac@zacgoldmith.mp@parliament.uk.
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