Q1 This is just a money making exercise for the Council – there’s nothing in it for residents.

A - We have already completed substantial works to enhance and extend the play areas in the park and a number of residents have requested greater landscaping. There may be further requests for more equipment or facilities. The money we would receive for the gravel extraction work would allow us to continue with developments at the park for which we currently have no money available. Funding gained from the proposal by Streeters will not only help provide facilities in Hengrove but elsewhere too.

Q2 Residents will be left with noise and dust – how is this going to be dealt with?  

A - For any gravel extraction to be permitted, Streeters have to apply to Surrey County Council for planning permission. As the planning authority, it must ensure that issues such as noise and dust are controlled and managed in line with best practice. It will help with this process if residents write to the County Council with their concerns on submission of the application, including those relating to public health. We would also expect Streeters to comply with the latest best practice guidance on gravel extraction which include strict regulations on noise and other environmental factors.

Q3 How will residents be recompensed for the inconvenience?  

A - Residents have previously requested greater security measures in the park as well as landscaping.  The money we receive from the gravel extraction will help fund these requests and any others that parks users have. During the time of extraction there will be a landscaped area by the side of the school available for walking and playing.

Q4 We don’t believe that the work will finish on time – how can you be sure the site will be clear by autumn 2010?  

A - Two years hence is a long period about which to have total certainty. Although there are no guarantees, if planning permission is granted, we will be entering into a contractual arrangement to complete the work by autumn 2010. When the site is vacated, landscaping and improvements will follow, the timing of which will depend on weather conditions at the time.

Q5 We like the park as it is – why change it?  

A - We have already done some work to enhance the play areas in the park and a number of residents have requested greater landscaping. This request was identified as part of the Liveability project for the park in 05/06.There may be further requests for more equipment or facilities. The money we would receive for the gravel extraction work would allow us to continue with developments at the park for which we currently have no money available.

Q6 What sort of consultation will it be?

A - The consultation undertaken by Spelthorne will be about a range of options. These will be things we could not do without this extra funding.  Streeters will undertake work with residents in explaining the planning application and potential environmental impacts.  This could be done via newsletters sent to residents and opportunities to talk to both Streeters and Spelthorne Council staff about the park.

Q7 How can we be sure that residents’ wishes are taken into account?

A - We will be undertaking consultation at every stage on the redevelopment of the park with residents and users to ensure views are taken on board.  We took on board residents’ comments regarding the request for a play area and multi-sports court and these were put in place in consultation with residents.

Q8 The public notice that has been published talks about ‘disposal’ of the land – that does not tie in with what you are saying – you are actually just selling it off.

A - The term we have to use legally in relation to releasing the site to Streeters Ltd is “disposal”.  However, residents can be assured that we will be effectively “leasing” it to them for a set period of time.

Q9 How will the site be made safe – there are lots of children around?  

A - Clearly this is an issue of concern for both residents and Streeters who will provide the best security they can. The bund plus fencing, being very visible, may act as a deterrent as it would be much clearer when children were getting on to the site than it is at present.

Q10 What happens to the allotment holders? Where will they go?  

A - There are only five allotment holders at the site.  Four will be able to keep their existing plots, which lie behind the gardens of houses in Shortwood Avenue.  For the one remaining plot holder we will be able to offer alternative sites, which may be closer to the person’s home.

Q11 How will you protect the site around the allotments which is a SSSI?

A - Streeters Ltd will have to undertake a full environmental impact assessment of their work which will include measures to ensure that the Shortwood pond Site of Special Scientific Interest is protected.  These findings are taken into account when the Planning Application is presented to Surrey County Council.

Q12 We want a public meeting.

A - To hear residents’ views and ensure that full consultation can take place we will be organising an open day, where residents will be able to view possible options and help shape the future activities within the park.  This will ensure that everybody’s ideas can be considered, not just those that are wiling to ask questions in a public forum.

Q13 Are there any maps showing the areas within which gravel extraction may take place.

A - Yes, the following two maps show the areas within which gravel extraction may take place. Hengrove map and Shortwood map.