Hampton Wick parents and residents in stalemate over proposed playground
Parents and nearby residents are in a stalemate over a proposed playground for Hampton Wick Infant School and Nursery (HWINS).
The proposal, submitted on 15 March, would see the resurfacing of playground areas, relocation of sand pit, erection of a stage, two timber huts, replace existing canopy and climbing frame with enlarged ones, replacement of a fence panel, and the removal of two trees.
The playground is zoned into different age groups, and that means they can provide climbing equipment and other activities pitched appropriate for the age group and the level of challenge needed for that age.
Plans for the playground were ready to be submitted for approval at the end of the summer term 2023 in the hope it would be completed before the new academic year.
Despite the decision deadline being in June, there is no further progress from the assessment stage. Planning officer Emer Costello said: "The Council are working to determine the planning application as soon as possible."
But reception children are being kept out of the play area due to delays from consultations with the planning authority and residents.
Hampton Wick school has moved the children out of the reception classrooms to rooms by the road to enable the playground works to be done.
Instead, children only have access to play in a very small temporary fenced in area at the front of the school, facing onto the road. There is reportedly little space to play and no climbing equipment.
One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, has expressed concerns about the impact of the playground on her child and their classmates' development.
She stated: "This is of particular concern for this group of children because [her child], like the 48 friends starting reception this year, were learning to walk and climb during the first covid lockdown. "
As playgrounds and soft plays were closed, the parent explains, her child was unable to interact with other children at such an important in development.
She added: "We've always wondered if the lack of access to play equipment at such a key time had an impact on...how nervous they can be when climbing."
The mother said: "It feels especially hard and unfair that they are now encountering the same lack of access to outdoor space during such pivotal time in their education and development."
Parent of two, Lucy, said the "current stalemate" is an "unacceptable outcome for our children. I would like to see a swift solution- the children are in urgent need of more space to play, and the status quo cannot be allowed to continue."
But nearby residents, almost exclusively to Raeburn Close, have objected to the proposal, citing there has been insufficient consultation with neighbours.
The amended plans reduced the climbing frame from 4.17m to 3.08m; however, the residents held the same objections.
The windows of Raeburn Close are reportedly less than seven metres away from the school's boundary fence.
Residents fear the loss of privacy, blocking the light, as well as devaluing their property.
One resident, Mr Mark Sevant, said: "The existing south boundary wall is owned by the residents of Raeburn Close each household being responsible for 1/8th of the structure. Any damage to this wall caused by activity on your side of the wall will be charged to HWINS."
Patricia and Mark Sevant also said of the noise: "The noise generated by the children's use of this area is intense. If this proposal for installation of huts; 4m tall climbing frames and destruction of trees goes ahead in the grounds of Hampton Wick Infants School, which we overlook, we will be bombarded by noise from both directions."
Another parent at the school, said: "There were no previous complaints to HWINS of noise from the old playground. I think it's therefore odd that noise should be a concern going forwards."
Residents on Raeburn Close, Fred and Gillian Sqwab, said the play structure will "become a dominant eyesore".
The pair also objected to the loss of trees in the proposal, adding: "The damage that has been done to our natural world over the decades is currently very much evidenced in the changes to our climate and the scarcity of many species of bird and insect life.
"To plan a construction that necessitates the removal of trees is extraordinary and surely at odds with how children are being educated today."
Daniel Yargici, another Raeburn Close resident, criticised the lack of contact or consultation from the school during the development of the proposal.
He said: "It goes entirely against the image of community spirit that the school itself likes to project and promote."
Mr Yargici has stressed the loss of privacy due to the height of the climbing frame, as well as the loss of noise buffer from the fence. He added: "It essentially represents the installation of a viewing platform right outside our living spaces. This is not acceptable to us at all."
Cllr Jim Millard, representing Hampton Wick and South Teddington said he "totally understand parents' and children's desires to get this done as quickly as possible".
He added: "But we had to accept it wasn't right to push through without heading concerns that were raised at the level they were raised."
Stressing the importance of maintaining a relationship with the neighbours, Cllr Millard said he wanted to ensure the playground is a positive development and a good for everyone in the community.
Outlining the process forward, Cllr Millar said by the end of last week, the budgeting team will have a 3D plan that they can show to residents. So they can understand sight lines and what they can do with trees and the angle of the playground structure to prevent overlooking and diminish noise.
The new 3D plan will be uploaded to the planning team for a formal 14-day consultation process.
Cllr Millard added he is "very much hoping to get on site and begin working in the Christmas holidays".
Hampton Wick Nursery School has been contacted for comment.
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