Whilst we are not against improving Merstham, we are against the following points.

Selling off the Green Belt land
Destroying trees and wild life
Increasing pressure on local services i.e. Schools, Doctors and Dentists
Resident parking problems and road safety issues
Being overlooked
Decreased value of property
Urbanisation of open spaces
Increased pressure on utilities i.e. water shortages and pressure on sewage system
Destroying the open feel to the area
Downgrading of area

In a news release dated 23rd June 2006

The Council stated the objectives of the Merstham SPD were: 

• to help achieve new community facilities
• improve the Portland Drive, Purbeck Close and Nailsworth Crescent area
• a new active centre at Merstham Recreation Ground
• create a new 'Community Heart' for Merstham, bringing together shops and services
• improve footpaths and cycle routes
• improve areas of public space and the street scene
• refurbish, remodel, redevelop or replace some of the existing affordable housing in the centre of the estate
• ensure high quality and energy efficient developments and 
• secure funding from new developments for improved community facilities.  

How can building houses on green areas 'improve areas of public space'

Draft Merstham Regeneration Proposal

It has been brought to our attention that Reigate and Banstead Council are planning to build at least 20 �affordable priced� houses on the grass verge opposite our home, between the road and the boundary for Woodfield School.

Whilst we are not against the improvement of the facilities in Merstham it seems that the improvements suggested will only happen by destroying the open feel of Merstham residents living in the top end of Bletchingley Road and the selling of the Green Belt land on the south side of the road, destroying trees and wild life and seriously downgrading the area. Part of the appeal of Merstham, commented on by many visitors to the area, are the open spaces and a good percentage of residences not being overlooked by neighbours. This and the pleasing views of the open areas improves the quality of life in the area; something surely everyone aspires to have. Therefore, if your proposals were to succeed; this will be lost to us. How is that improving Merstham?

In recent years we have seen attempts at road calming in Bletchingley Road, probably the busiest road in Merstham other than the A23, these have caused parking problems in the area which will only be augmented by the building of more housing. This would cause, as proven in the past, conflicts between neighbours and thus the breakdown of the friendly atmosphere that has built up in the area.

Add to this the inevitable devaluation of all the properties affected by this misguided proposal and you have an excellent recipe for reducing, and definitely not improving, the conditions for Bletchingley Road residents.

Bletchingley Road Resident

Draft Merstham Regeneration Proposal

I would like to comment on the above document, having recently read it at my local library (thank you for keeping it open).

I do appreciate the fact that the funds for improving facilities in any county are dwindling year on year and that one option to generate funds is to sell off some land to build more houses to pay for new improvements � but at what cost to our open spaces?  We already have 500 new homes being built nearby putting more strain on our roads, water supply, etc, so do we actually need new build community facilities?  Can�t you, as you say under Summary + Outcomes paragraph 1.1.3 objective 7 �make the best use of previously developed land and existing buildings�.  This must surely be cheaper than new build?

I agree that Purbeck Close area needs re-generation and that the recreation ground needs better facilities but:

1. The Doctors Surgery has only recently been extended and refurbished so why build a new one?
2. We already have a library, can you extend the building to incorporate a computer room (so that residents can learn computer skills locally) and also a coffee shop, something that I have heard library users request quite often.  Parking would be a problem but maybe the lack of parking would encourage people to walk!
3. We already have a Help Shop.
4. The Epiphany Church and hall needs refurbishment, couldn�t the hall be used as a meeting place for local community groups/youth groups when refurbished?

What will happen to the beautiful oak trees and lovely hedgerow on the proposed new facility-building site?  Will they be saved?   Why the need to centralize everything?  Why do the �open green spaces in and around Merstham need to have a clear purpose�?  Can we not just enjoy seeing it everyday, walk our dogs on it, cycle on it and appreciate it? 

Just a final thought, is there any possibility of opening to Merstham residents during the summer the swimming pool at St Nicholas School which the community helped to build many years ago, my father spent many of his spare weekends round there!  Maybe even a gym in the old sports hall?

Worsted Green Resident