We are aware that the residents of Dundas Gardens and Garrick Gardens, Molesey, are concerned about losing land close to their property,
We feel as strongly as our communities about the importance of the borough’s green spaces and ensuring that these highly valued areas are protected from development.
In terms of the prospect of future development, the site is considered as amenity open space which forms part of our diverse network of accessible and multi-functional green spaces in Elmbridge for which, as part of our Play Strategy and planning policies, the Council makes clear that it will seek to protect, enhance and manage.
Our Development Management Plan (2015) states that existing open spaces, sport and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless:
- An assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements,
- The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location, or
- The development is for alternative sports and recreation provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.
Planning policies relating to our green spaces include Core Strategy Policy CS14 – Green Infrastructure and Development Management Policy DM20 – Open Spaces and views.
Dundas Gardens: On 29 January we made a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the trees on this land at Dundas Gardens. It will continue in force for 6 months during which time the Council will decide whether or not to confirm the Order taking into consideration any objections or other comments. The making of a TPO means that any works on these trees or any works adjacent to the trees which may affect their roots, stems or branches will require consent from Elmbridge Borough Council.
Information from Surrey County Council on Dundas Gardens:
It recently came to our attention that land in this location was being incorrectly sold with full vacant possession. We have been in touch with the auctioneers to inform them that the land forms part of the public highway and the surface is under our ownership and control, meaning as things stand any new owners cannot enclose the land or interfere with it in any way. The listing has subsequently been updated. Where we have been made aware of other locations where highway land is being sold similar action has been taken.
Information from Wates Group regarding Dundas Gardens:
We have looked into this matter and confirm that neither Wates Group nor the Wates Family has put the pieces of land at Dundas Gardens, and Garrick Gardens, West Molesey, up for auction.
We understand the concerns of local residents and support the position taken by Elmbridge Borough Council that this land should be considered existing recreational land and therefore should not be built on, barring exceptional circumstances. We also support the position of Surrey County Council that the land at Dundas Gardens forms part of the public highway and should not be built on. Indeed, our own assessment is that neither piece of land has any value at all in development terms – we would encourage the auctioneers and any potential buyers to take note of this important fact.
As a company we know the important role that green spaces play, and are committed to creating thriving communities in the areas we work across.