Staines upon Thames development framework group appointed June 2020

17 June 2020

Production of a Masterplan for Staines-upon-Thames is underway, which will provide a framework to shape and transform the town. Consultants, David Lock Associates, are leading on this work and a new Working Group has now been set up to help steer the project. The Masterplan is an important element of the new Local Plan as it will set out the opportunities for Staines to deliver new homes, commercial activity and vital infrastructure, whilst addressing key issues such as how traffic problems can be managed, improving public transport links, capitalising on the riverside frontage and enhancing the environment and public spaces. Input from our communities will be key to ensuring the Masterplan is visionary and forward thinking.

The Working Group comprises seven Spelthorne councillors and includes representation from wards in Staines, who will work closely with the consultants and officers to provide a clear steer for the direction of the Masterplan and provide constructive feedback. This will help ensure that the views of our communities and other stakeholders are the foundation for the future of Staines. All Spelthorne councillors will be consulted in recognition of the strategic importance of the town to our borough.

Membership of the Working Group is as follows:

• Councillor Ian Harvey, Leader of Spelthorne Council
• Councillor Helen Harvey, Portfolio Holder for Investment Portfolio Management and Regeneration
• Councillor Ian Beardsmore, Portfolio Holder for Planning
• Councillor Olivia Rybinski, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Customer Service, Estates and Transport
• Councillor Chris Bateson, Staines South ward
• Councillor Veena Siva, Staines ward
• Councillor Tom Lagden, Staines ward

The COVID-19 pandemic has required adjustments to be made to the way the Masterplan will progress. The consultants were able to have some face-to-face meetings and site visits prior to the lockdown measures being implemented and work has been able to continue remotely and virtually during this period. The consultants have been working with stakeholders and analysing the key issues affecting Staines as a starting point for the Masterplan to develop from. The Working Group will be tasked with reviewing this evidence before then considering how we engage with our communities going forward. This will include developing a consultation strategy that takes account of the physical distancing measures currently in place. It is still planned for the final version of the Masterplan to be completed by early 2021.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Harvey, said: "The appointment of the Working Group is a very important step in the development of the Masterplan. We have considered the membership carefully to ensure there is representation from a range of councillors with expertise in various fields and solid local knowledge that will help inform the work being undertaken. This will ensure that the residents, employees and businesses in Staines and the wider borough can have an active voice in the growth of Staines."