Cascina Limited has published its proposal project, Surbiton Riverside.
The 19th century Seething Wells filter beds along Portsmouth Road were decommissioned by Thames Water in 1992.
The Seething About Seething campaign group says it has taken time to digest the information published.
A spokesperson says the proposed plan to create offices and a public park at the site is “a missed opportunity.”
They say this is namely the chance to preserve the heritage, protected species and biodiversity including the filter beds themselves.
The group says it is now working on a survey to gather information from the community regarding their thoughts.
Full statement from Seething About Seething campaign group.
“We welcome the owner’s acknowledgement for the need (of ) open recreation spaces in Surbiton; we agree that this area is lacking in these. However, we feel this is a missed opportunity, namely the chance to preserve the heritage, protected species and biodiversity of the site, including the filter beds themselves.
We are hoping going forward this creates an opportunity for the owners to engage with community groups, to have a more meaningful conversation and a positive outcome for the Seething Wells Filter Beds.
The importance of heritage, biodiversity and wildlife this site holds cannot be understated, as we have highlighted in the creation of a concept image for the site. In light of this proposal and other recent events, we have contacted the council directly to ascertain their stance, to ensure all is being done by councillors who voted unanimously to protect the site from development and it’s preservation as a nature reserve. ”
We are currently working on a survey to gather information from the community regarding their thoughts, feelings and aspirations for the site. We will share this in due course both on our socials and our website, www.seethingwellsactiongroup.org
