The Mayor of London has entered the debate over the Surbiton Filter Beds by giving his support to the most recent Thames Water proposal for 59 flats and a nature reserve.

The pledge by Thames Water and Persimmon to hand over 11 acres of the site for a nature reserve struck a chord with Ken Livingstone, who is keen to see brownfield sites like the Filter Beds developed.

Battle

The Residents Planning Alliance has fought a five-year battle to stop any large scale development on the land and has reduced the number of apartments the developer applied for from 100.

Giles Dolphin, planning decisions manager at the Greater London Authority, said: The mayor has determined to support the principle of the

proposals as an exceptional case in strategic planning terms.

It represents an enabling development that provides a significant community asset for nature conservation, public open space and riverside.

Kingston Council is attempting to get the site designated as Metropolitan Open Land but the Mayor has suggested in a letter to the council and developers that planning permission could be granted and MOL status be secured for the remaining 11 acre site.

Gill Green, chairman of the Residents Planning Alliance (RPA), said:

Mr Livingstones letter has been well received by the developers, who see it as a step towards the completion of the deal which has been in discussion since 1996.

Harry Shepherd-Cross from Persimmon Homes, said: We are delighted by this very positive response from the strategic planning authority.

The scheme, which includes a £200,000 contribution from the developers, is currently out to consultation and is due to be decided later this year.

In response to the letter supporting the plan, RPA member Ken Peay said: We are absolutely delighted. Now we just need to wait for the plans to go through.

By.David Rankin