Paul Johnston

I attended the first three days of the appeal enquiry held at Shrewsbury House School last month and was allowed to address the enquiry on the third morning. Janet Bowen-Hitchings was there for pretty well all of the second, third and fourth days and briefly on the first morning.

Opposing the appeal I said that,

"If allowed, the appeal would lead to the replacement of four serviceable family homes and gardens with what would amount to the biggest building in Surbiton Hill ward.

"I also drew attention to earlier infrastructure problems in the area, where Victorian drains have given problems in the past and pointed out that the Sunrise development would involve a substantial increase in the number of toilets, baths, washbasins and kitchen sinks discharging into the system. 

"The question had also been raised as to whether the home if built would constitute a ‘home for life' for the residents. It would be expensive to live there and nursing care was not envisaged in the plans. It would follow that residents could well become a burden on the already overstretched resources of Kingston Social Services and the heavily indebted Primary Care Trust."

The case for the Council was very ably presented by Mr. Morgan QC supported by officers led by Paul Bradbury, and the Southborough Residents Association team was very effective in its contributions. I feel it is a priviledge to work alongside residents of the calibre and expertise of the team fielded by SRA. I hope Southborough residents know how truly lucky they are to have benefited for so long from the selfless efforts and sheer expertise of these and other SRA committee members.

The outcome of the appeal is expected next month.