'Storm Erupts over councils plans for 'Massive' Hampton development'

12.00.00am GMT Tue 11th Feb 2003

Hampton residents are being alerted to a potentially enormous new development on the site of the waterworks between Upper and Lower Sunbury Road.

It has been known for sometime that Thames Water wish to sell the site for development and it is trying to secure a removal of green belt designation.

But for the first time, the council has now also earmarked the site for new development.

The site is so large that it could accommodate virtually a town, certainly something much bigger than Hampton Nurserylands. But the council proposal, under planned changes to the UDP has not been discussed with local people who now have only less than a week to register their concerns.

The problem said MP Vincent Cable is that the "infrastructure is appalling". "The road traffic through Hampton - Thames Street - is heavily congested already."

"I simply cannot see how this narrow road can simultaneously serve as a main A road connecting the M3 to Kingston and a busy local road for thousands of new residents."

"Without a major reconfiguration of the road system and a new river bridge it is impossible to see how this will work. Yet Thames Water are pressing ahead because they want the money and the council wants to build lots of houses there but hasn't thought through the consequences".

"Of course, new affordable housing has to be provided for key workers. I support that principle. But new development has to be properly planned".

"What is unforgivable is that this massive project is being slipped through without any consultation or discussion. Even the local residents association knew nothing about it until last week."

"They and I are trying to inform as many people as possible of what is in store".

Contacts: Vincent Cable 07958 476371 or Bill Weisblatt 8979 3089