| Topic: | Re:Thames Tunnel | |
| Posted by: | Tim Wright | |
| Date/Time: | 04/11/10 12:32:00 |
| Below I attach the following which I was sent from other inrterested parties describing questions and answers from the Putney Exchange exhibition. The most interesting area is TW response to the alternative more suitable site in Hammersmith. It's now blindingly obvious that they are avoiding using it as they would need to pay a private landlord for a 7 years lease, where Barn Elms would be so much cheaper being public land. They disregard the fact that Hammersmith is an open flattened building site perfectly suited to the main shaft project. This industrial wasteland has been the same for 8 years. You can see it from the Barn Elms site. Look across the river about 200 yards downstream of Hammersmith Bridge behind green hoardings. They also conveniently ignore all the homes in the Ranelagh Estate next to Barn Elms which would be severely affected. Here are the questions and answers, "Cllrs Maddan and Torrington put several points to Thames Water at the recent exhibition in Putney Exchange and we thought it might be helpful to set out their responses. -The large site at Hammersmith Pumping station down-stream from Hammersmith Bridge is already served by an existing wharf and the site has been cleared but has not been used for at least 8 years why can‟t this be used as an alternative to Barn Elms? Reply. It is owned by a developer and in a more residential area than Barn Elms. The Hammersmith Pumping station site is at the end of the tunnel and so we would prefer to use Barn Elms because we will be able to excavate the tunnel in two directions from Barn Elms. Cllrs‟ observations – we put it to Thames Water that Barn Elms and HPS were so close that there was little to be gained in terms of excavating in both directions and that a site based more centrally would offer greater opportunities for dual direction excavations. We were not convinced by the point about HPS being in a residential area because the site is sufficiently large to accommodate the wharf well away from homes and businesses in Hammersmith. - We are concerned that the proposed wharf adjacent to Barn Elms will close the tow path for 7 years what can be done to keep it open? Reply. The proposals have not been finalised and we are waiting to see the results of the consultation. It‟s possible that we would gate the tow path so that the tow path would only need to be closed when materials were being delivered. We will use a conveyor belt to take out spoil excavated from the tunnel so we will not need to close the tow path on this account. - If there is a wharf at Barn Elms why can‟t all the material be brought by river and spoil taken away by river to avoid any need at all to use local roads? Reply. We are exploring this with Port of London Authority at present. If we can use river transport for everything we will. - The large wharf proposed at Barn Elms is a long way out into the river. It will have a massive impact on the rowing community and is likely to stop the Boat Race, the Great River Race and all the head of the river races from proceeding for 7 years. Rowers practice constantly on this stretch of the river because their boat houses are located here. Sailing also takes place on the Barn Elms reach. What are your proposals to enable rowing and sailing to continue? Reply. We have talked to several rowers who are keen to see the project proceed because they have picked up viral infections from the sewage outflows. We may have to dredge the river on the north side in order to create new channels for river sports. The foreshore on the north bank is very high at low tide so there are fewer channels for river sports. -We are concerned that Thames Water may exceed their scheduled programme of 7 years. Reply. We will be incorporating penalty clauses into our contracts with the contractors. Cllrs‟ observations – The Council will be looking for similar protections as a condition of any use of its own land. -Why don‟t you use the existing road to Barn Elms playing fields that runs from the Red Lion pub, down Queen Elizabeth Walk and behind the Barn Elms boathouse instead of constructing a new road across the middle of Barn Elms playing fields? Reply. The proposed new road across Barn Elms playing fields is only there for the period of construction works. This is the shortest route and will have less impact than bringing construction materials through the road that serves the Wetlands Centre. We will be reinstating the playing fields at the end of 7 years. Cllrs‟ observations – if all materials and spoil can be transported by river there should be no need for a new road for 7 years across Barn Elms playing fields. The Council will be looking for compensation for loss of use of the playing fields for 7 years. - We are interested to see pedestrian access across Beverly Brook in the area of the weir. At present pedestrians either have to walk down Festing Road to get to the tow path or approach it via Putney Common and behind the Ranelagh Estate beside the Scout hut. It would benefit the Estate, local residents and dog walkers to gain easier and quicker access to the tow path by crossing Beverly Brook here. Reply. We are open to suggestions and would welcome these sorts of points in response to the consultation. - Does the permanent construction following the completed project need to be so large? Reply. A number of people have told us how attractive it is. Cllrs‟ observations – we will seek to secure the least obtrusive construction and land-take possible. - Will any of the mature trees on Barn Elms need to be removed? Reply. We are trying to make sure that access to the proposed wharf will be between the trees so that no trees need to be removed. - Will the permanent hard-standing at Putney foreshore reduce the amount of green space available to the public at Watermans‟ Green? Reply. No. We are extending the slip way out into the river so that the hard-standing area will be wider by taking space in the river. - Will there be any impact on the river bus and Putney pier as a result of the works at Putney foreshore? Reply. No. - We are concerned about the 10m high ventilation shaft in front of Kenilworth Court. Will sewage odours be blown across to residential homes? Reply. The position of the ventilation shaft is not finalised. It could be moved nearer to Putney Bridge. We would welcome feed-back during the consultation on this point. We would only expect odours to be emitted occasionally and the aim is to design a ventilation shaft sufficiently tall to disperse odours above residential windows. - When is the next consultation? All responses will be collated and a final proposal will be drawn up. This will be consulted upon, probably in Summer 2011 The West London River Group is holding a meeting in the Ranelagh Club on 17 November at 7.00pm to discuss the Thames Tunnel and members of the public are welcome. There are two proposed sites which will affect Thamesfield residents. The first and most significant is a large site just over the Beverley Brook on a large area of Barn Elms Playing Fields. The second site is by the Putney Draw Dock and Waterman‟s Green, between Putney Bridge and Putney Pier. |