Mineral extraction in the Sunbury and Shepperton area

Watersplash Farm in Fordbridge Road is included as a preferred site in Surrey County Council's proposed Mineral Plan.

This development threatens the whole locality, not just the roads in the immediate vicinity.   Sunbury and Shepperton will become blighted areas.  Gravel extraction will cause:

• a reduction in property values
• an adverse affect on local businesses, shops and services

Whilst we understand the need for mineral extraction, Spelthorne has continually borne the brunt of Surrey’s requirements to provide sand and gravel like no other borough in Surrey.  

If one of the sites in Sunbury/Shepperton is selected then the other is at risk. 

 Some of the points for concern are:

• Spelthorne is a low lying area already under flood threat.  Digging yet more gravel pits could adversely affect the ability of the area to deal with surface water drainage and create further flood risk.

• There could be serious risks of water contamination and an increased risk of disease.  Leptospirosis icterohaemorrhagica  (Weil’s disease) is already a significant risk on the Sunbury reach of the Thames and this risk may increase.

• Dozens of heavy lorries every day will create pollution, road damage, dust and noise (up to one lorry every minute), which, coupled with the activity on the actual sites will have a detrimental effect on the local environment and quality of residents’ life

• Potential health risks.  It is proven that fine particulate air pollution (fpap) escaping from gravel pit mining and from the inevitable HGVs servicing them cause respiratory disease. 

• The site provides a green belt block between Sunbury and Halliford and is surrounded by residential housing. 

• Mineral extraction will destroy the character and nature of the area. It will be environmentally disastrous.

• The farm is designated for agricultural land use. 

• Using this site for mineral extraction is contrary to Spelthorne Borough planning policy. 

• Spelthorne has continually borne the brunt of Surrey’s requirements to provide sand and gravel, as well as other developments, like no other borough in Surrey!