Statement of Community Engagement Shepperton Studios Expansion North West Development Area
September 2020
Contents
1. Introduction 3
2. Policy Context 5
3. Consultation Activity and Feedback 7
4. Consultation Feedback 10
5. Conclusion 15
Appendix 1: Presentation
Appendix 2: Resident Letters and Distribution Areas
Appendix 3: Website
1. Introduction
1.1 This Statement of Community Engagement (SCE) has been prepared by Turley on behalf of Shepperton Studios Limited (SSL) (the Applicant).
1.2 This SCE forms part of a planning application for the delivery of the North West development area of the wider Shepperton Studios expansion site.
1.3 Further details are provided in the accompanying technical reports submitted as part of the planning application. This SCE should be read alongside these other documents.
Background
1.4 In July 2019, the Applicant’s outline plans to expand Shepperton Studios were approved by Spelthorne Borough Council.
1.5 SSL has been working with the local community on the studio expansion since its launch in the summer of 2018. This has formed an established knowledge of the proposals at a local level.
1.6 The Applicant is now looking to deliver the expansion, by submitting a series of reserved matters applications to agree the detail of the proposals. The first reserved matters application to be submitted will look to bring forward the North West development area of the wider Shepperton Studios expansion site.
1.7 The SCE provides a detailed record of the consultation activities that have taken place in order to inform interested parties of the reserved matters plans for the whole site, with a focus on the feedback received on the North West development area (the submitted application). All feedback received during the consultation period was considered as part of the design process.
Consultation activity overview
1.8 The project team delivered a pre-application engagement programme, which included engagement with officers at Spelthorne Borough Council; resident groups; staff and tenants of the studios, and the local community.
1.9 To ensure all groups had the opportunity to view and comment on the proposed plans a number of engagement methods were used. Engagement activities included pre- application discussions with key stakeholders; hosting a dedicated project website; distribution of letters to residents; a series of digital Q&A sessions for site neighbours and the wider community.
1.10 The information provided to stakeholders and residents was in relation to the reserved matters plans for the whole site. This report has a focus on the engagement undertaken and feedback received for the North West development area (the submitted application).
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1.11 Over 70 residents attended the digital Q&A sessions and, to date, the website has had 286 visitors. The majority of the feedback received on the proposals was provided during the Q&A sessions, with the community also submitting comments online, via email and over the phone.
1.12 In summary, the Applicant considers that the pre-application engagement undertaken with the local community and stakeholders has been timely, meaningful and effective.
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2. Policy Context
2.1 The Applicant recognises that National Planning Policy places an emphasis on community involvement as an important part of the planning application process. To ensure the approach taken in the pre-application stages of this application is consistent with national and local guidelines; relevant policy was reviewed in full.
2.2 The Government’s policy on community involvement is set out in a number of statutory and non-statutory documents, including the National Planning Policy Framework (2018) and the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004). Guidance is also provided in the Spelthorne Borough Council Statement of Community Involvement (2015).
National Planning Policy Framework (2019)
2.3 The revised National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) (“the Framework”) sets out that the planning system should be a collective enterprise with the purpose of helping deliver sustainable development.
2.4 Paragraph 128 specifically promotes early pre-application engagement and the front- loading of consultation and explains that applications that can demonstrate effective pre-application engagement should be favoured over those that cannot. The purpose is to better coordinate public and private resources and help identify issues that can be resolved at the pre-application stage. In addition, paragraph 39 states that as a result, the outcomes for the community are improved and the planning system is able to function more effectively and efficiently.
2.5 As set out in this Statement, comprehensive community engagement has taken place prior to the submission of the planning application, in full accordance with guidance set out within the Framework.
Spelthorne Borough Council Statement of Community Involvement (2015)
2.6 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) requires Local Planning Authorities to produce policy documents, called Statements of Community Involvement. Spelthorne Borough Council sets out its expectations for pre-application engagement in their Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) 2015 document1.
2.7 Applicants applying for major development are encouraged to ‘undertake pre- application consultation and discuss their proposals with their neighbours or the community before submitting their formal application’.
2.8 It is noted that, in reporting, applicants should indicate:
• The method of consultation used; • Who was consulted and the level of involvement; and • How the matters raised in the consultation were addressed by the applicant.
1 https://www.spelthorne.gov.uk/SCI
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2.9 The project team have fully reviewed both national and local guidelines on pre- application engagement before creating a bespoke engagement strategy as detailed in Chapter 3.
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3. Consultation Activity and Feedback
3.1 The Applicant has been working with the local community on the studio expansion since its launch in the summer of 2018. Building upon the established knowledge of the proposals at a local level, and understanding of the local context and expectations for engagement on the expansion proposals, has enabled the Applicant to create a comprehensive engagement strategy.
3.2 In March 2020, invitations were issued to various stakeholders and residents to take part in a series of briefings / drop-in sessions to discuss the North West development area. These events were due to take place at Shepperton Studios on 19 March, but were unable to take place.
3.3 Taking into account the climate surrounding COVID-19, and the impact this had on the ability to hold meetings and events in person, a digitally-led communications approach that used alternative methods of engagement was created. The digital approach was shared with the planning team at Spelthorne Borough Council for their consideration, and updated based on their feedback.
3.4 Consultation carried out by the Applicant provided details on reserved matters proposals for the whole expansion site. This report focuses on the engagement and feedback received for the North West development area. A summary of the activities undertaken is detailed under the subheadings below.
Pre-application discussions with Spelthorne Borough Council
3.5 A series of pre-application meetings were held between March and September 2020 to explain and discuss the emerging proposals with officers. In relation to the North West site, limited comments were received.
Engaging with key stakeholders
3.6 To ensure that key stakeholders were provided with an opportunity to view the project information and ask the project team questions, a series of briefings were held on Thursday 3 September and Monday 7 September 2020.
3.7 Each briefing included a project presentation. A copy of the presentation can be seen at Appendix 1.
3.8 Briefings were held with the following stakeholders, the feedback received is set out in Chapter 4.
• Spelthorne Borough Council Councillors • Spelthorne Borough Councillor for Laleham and Shepperton Green ward members • County Councillor for Laleham and Shepperton • Littleton, Laleham, Charlton Village and Shepperton Residents Associations
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Consulting with the local community
3.9 Briefing the community was focused on digital Q&A sessions, supported by a project website.
Q&A events 3.10 Bringing forward the Shepperton Studios expansion is of interest to a wider range of residents surrounding the site. However, it was felt that those directly adjoining the site would want to have more focused discussions on the proposals. Four digital Q&A sessions were held with the local residents which included:
• Studios Estate residents – discussion focused on the North West development area • Cranwell Grove and Laleham Road residents – discussion focused on the South area • The wider community – two events were held with an open invitation to anyone who had an interest in the site
3.11 The number of attendees for each session is noted below:
• Studios Estate Q&A event, 16:00 – 17:30, 7 September 2020 – 7 attendees • Cranwell Grove and Laleham Road Q&A event, 18:30 – 20:00, 7 September 2020 – 14 attendees • Wider community Q&A event, 14:30 – 16:00, 8 September – 24 attendees • Wider community Q&A event, 18:30 – 20:00, 8 September – 24 attendees
3.12 A copy of the presentation provided at the events can be seen in Appendix 1.
3.13 Following the Q&A sessions, the information included in the presentation was added to the project website for those that were unable to attend.
Resident letters 3.14 To invite residents to the Q&A sessions letters were issued to Studios Estates, Cranwell Grove and Laleham Road, and the wider community. A total of 2282 letters were issued.
3.15 Copies of the resident letters and distribution areas, can be seen in Appendix 2.
Consultation website 3.16 During consultation on the outline application a dedicated website was launched at www.sheppertonstudiosconsultation.co.uk. Throughout the life of the project, this website has been updated to provide the local community with details on the proposals.
3.17 In September 2020, the website was updated to include details of the reserved matters proposals for the whole site and invited residents and stakeholders to share their feedback. A website link was shared with staff and tenants to provide them with an update on proposals. Screenshots of the consultation website can be seen in Appendix 3.
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3.18 In response to the September update, the website has had a total of 285 visitors providing a total of 16 comments. The feedback received via the website is included in Chapter 4, which focuses on the comments relating to the North West development area.
3.19 Residents who did not have access to the internet were able to request hard copy packs of the consultation website. Six hard copy packs were distributed to residents.
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4. Consultation Feedback
4.1 A summary of the feedback received during the stakeholder briefings and from the local community is set out below. This summary focuses on the feedback relating to the North West development area, which is the submitted application.
Laleham and Shepperton Green ward members 4.2 Briefings were held with Councillor Mary Madams and Councillor Dick Smith Ainsley where the proposals were presented and explained.
Full Spelthorne Borough Council 4.3 A briefing was held with the Full Spelthorne Borough Council to provide new members with an overview of the outline application, along with details of the proposed reserved matters application.
4.4 A summary of the discussion held is outlined below:
• It was questioned what the timescales were for building out the studios and phasing of the junction and highways improvements.
• It was asked what the height of the car park to the rear of Cranwell Grove would be.
• It was questioned how many car parking spaces were being provided, and if there are plans for people to use alternative modes of transport.
• Supportive comments and a positive feedback was received in terms of the studios expanding and the economic impact this has on Spelthorne area.
Residents Association Briefings 4.5 Members of Littleton, Laleham, Charlton Village and Shepperton Residents Associations were invited to join one of two briefings to discuss proposals and share any questions or feedback.
4.6 Nine people attended the briefings, representing each of the above Residents Associations.
4.7 A summary of the discussions held and feedback received is outlined below:
Construction • There was an interest in how much construction traffic the proposals would generate.
• Attendees asked questions surrounding the hours that construction work would be undertaken.
• There was a discussion surrounding the timings of when construction would begin and how the phasing may take place.
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Highways • Attendees were interested to know how many parking spaces would be provided on site.
• There was an interest in the number of additional vehicles that would use Studios Road, and whether there would be any congestion around the car parks and Squired Bridge.
• Attendees queried when the highways improvements, such as the pedestrian crossings, would come into place.
• There was a question relating to Shepperton Road, and whether it would be possible to look again at the access from this point.
Visual impact • There was some discussion surrounding visual impact, and whether the development would be visible from Oberon Way.
• Attendees were interested to know whether soundstages could be added to the cross section images included in the presentation.
• Landscaping was discussed, with a focus on whether trees would be planted around the soundstages.
• Attendees were interested to know more about the maturity of the trees planted and how long it would take for the woodland within the landscaping to grow.
• The heights of the soundstages were discussed, with a focus on heights and queries surrounding the maximum heights proposed.
Community benefits • Attendees were interested to know more about job creation and when details on community jobs would be released.
• There was discussion surrounding the River Ash Corridor improvements and queries regarding timescales for when this could come forwards.
Consultation • Attendees queried how residents had been invited to the online Q&A events.
Public feedback
4.8 Residents were invited to share their feedback at the Q&A sessions, on the website, via email, telephone or letter. The majority of the feedback received was provided during the Q&A sessions and, following these, a total of 25 comments were received including: eight emails; five phone calls; and 16 comments via the website.
4.9 A summary of the comments received have been separated into themes and summarised below. The below summary is focused on feedback relating to the North
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West phase of development. Detail of feedback provided on the Southern development area will be included in relevant subsequent reports.
Highways • Respondents were interested to know the possible impact of proposals on congestion and parking for local residents.
• Residents of Studios Estate asked at what point studio traffic would merge with Studio Estate traffic and how this would be mitigated.
• There was an interest in construction vehicles and how these would be managed, and move into and from the Studios site. There was concern that Squires Bridge Road would not be appropriate for construction traffic and that the bridge may not be suitable for HGVs.
• Respondents were interested to know how many new car parking spaces would be provided on the expansion site.
• Residents discussed details about highways improvements and when these would be delivered.
• There was an interest in how the internal road would function, whether this would be one or two way traffic and how it could remove cars from the wider highway network. Residents were interested to know if the Applicant could encourage staff and tenants to use the internal road rather than the public highway.
• Residents had questions relating to the proposed new entrance, and how this might prevent traffic backing up on the main roads.
• Residents from Studios Estate were interested to know how many people would be travelling along the pedestrian path alongside the car park.
Lighting • Site neighbours were interested in knowing what lighting would be included on the expansion site and whether this would cause light pollution into their homes.
• There were queries in regards to security lighting and whether they would be left on overnight.
Building heights • Residents had queries in regards to the proposed height of buildings and the proximity of those buildings to existing residents.
Design • One resident enquired whether the proposed sound stage buildings could be coloured to blend in with the sky, similar to an Amazon distribution centre.
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Landscaping • Residents of Studios Estate were interested in knowing more about the proposed landscape strategy and how this might soften their views of the expansion site.
• Questions were made in regards to the maturity of the trees that would be planted.
Ecology • One resident highlighted that there were bats in the area and wondered what would be done to ensure protection of species and habitats on site.
River Ash Corridor • Residents were interested to know what plans were included for the River Ash Corridor and where the footpath would be.
Community benefits • One resident was interested to know whether residents would still be able to make bookings for venue space following the expansion.
• There was an interest in knowing how much part time and full time employment would be generated, and whether the Applicant could ensure that local residents were prioritised.
• Residents at Oberon Way questioned whether the land between their gardens and then proposed bund could be gifted to them as part of the expansion proposals.
• One respondent was interested to know whether a new fiber network would be included for the new buildings and, if this was the case, whether this could be extended to residents of Studios Estate.
Construction • Questions were asked in regards to the proposed start and end date of the construction for the expansion.
• Residents were interested to know whether local roads would be impacted upon during the construction process.
• There was an interest in the planned phasing of the development and where construction would start.
Support • There was general support for the detailed proposals coming forwards, along with the economic and job opportunities that could be delivered for the community.
Consultation • Residents were interested in knowing whether the presentation provided in the Q&A sessions would be shared or available online.
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• There was support from residents for being kept up to date on proposals through the consultation process.
14 5. Conclusion
5.1 The Applicant has undertaken a comprehensive strategy to engaging with key stakeholders and the local community.
5.2 The Applicant has updated the community through a range of methods and techniques including pre-application briefings, resident Q&A sessions, distribution of resident letters and hosting a project website.
5.3 In summary, the Applicant considers that the pre-application engagement undertaken with the local community and stakeholders has been timely, meaningful and effective.
15 Appendix 1: Presentation
Appendix 2: Resident Letters and Distribution Areas
25th August 2020
Dear Neighbour,
Shepperton Studios expansion: invitation to an online Q&A session
As you will be aware, in July 2019, outline plans were approved by Spelthorne Borough Council to expand and redevelop Shepperton Studios – providing a range of facilities such as new sound stages, offices, workshops, backlots, car parking and infrastructure, as well as a new access to the expansion site from Shepperton Road. We are now looking to finalise the project details to deliver the expansion and would like to update you on our plans. Taking into account COVID-19, and the impact this has on our ability to meet with you in person, we would like to provide you with information via our project website and inviting you to an online Q&A session. As a resident of Studios Estate, we understand that you will have a specific interest in the North West area of the development, and we are therefore holding a dedicated Q&A session for the Studios Estate residents at the following time: 16:00 – 17:30 on Monday 7th September 2020 If you are unable to attend this session, you are welcome to join one of wider community Q&A sessions taking place at the following times: 14:30 – 16:00 on Tuesday 8th September 2020 18:30 – 20:00 on Tuesday 8th September 2020 At the online briefing we will provide you with information about our plans to bring forward the Shepperton Studios expansion and hold a live Q&A session with the project team to answer any questions you may have. Please let us know if you are able to attend, and which time slot is most convenient for you, via email at [email protected] or by calling Turley directly on 0808 168 8296. They will then send you the log in details to join the online event. You can also use these contact details to get in touch with the project team for any queries you may have. Project information will also be made available online from Tuesday 8th September 2020 on the project website: www.sheppertonstudiosconsultation.co.uk. If you do not have access to a computer, or would like to speak to our consultants in person, then please call the number above and they can discuss the project with you directly.
We look forward to working with you on the next phase of the Shepperton Studios expansion.
Very best wishes,
Kathryn Maidment Group Community Liaison Pinewood Studios Group
25th August 2020
Dear Neighbour,
Shepperton Studios expansion: invitation to an online Q&A session
As you will be aware, in July 2019, outline plans were approved by Spelthorne Borough Council to expand and redevelop Shepperton Studios – providing a range of facilities such as new sound stages, offices, workshops, backlots, car parking and infrastructure, as well as a new access to the expansion site from Shepperton Road. We are now looking to finalise the project details to deliver the expansion and would like to update you on our plans. Taking into account COVID-19, and the impact this has on our ability to meet with you in person, we would like to provide you with information via our project website and inviting you to an online Q&A session. As a resident of Cranwell Grove or Laleham Road, we understand that you will have a specific interest in the southern area of the development, and we are therefore holding a dedicated Q&A session for the Cranwell Grove and Laleham Road residents at the following time: 18:30 – 20:00 on Monday 7th September 2020 If you are unable to attend this session, you are welcome to join one of the wider community Q&A sessions taking place at the following times: 14:30 – 16:00 on Tuesday 8th September 2020 18:30 – 20:00 on Tuesday 8th September 2020 At the online briefing we will provide you with information about our plans to bring forward the Shepperton Studios expansion and hold a live Q&A session with the project team to answer any questions you may have. Please let us know if you are able to attend, and which time slot is most convenient for you, via email at [email protected] or by calling Turley directly on 0808 168 8296. They will then send you the log in details to join the online event. You can also use these contact details to get in touch with the project team for any queries you may have. Project information will also be made available online from Tuesday 8th September 2020 on the project website: www.sheppertonstudiosconsultation.co.uk. If you do not have access to a computer, or would like to speak to our consultants in person, then please call the number above and they can discuss the project with you directly.
We look forward to working with you on the next phase of the Shepperton Studios expansion.
Very best wishes,
Kathryn Maidment Group Community Liaison Pinewood Studios Group
25th August 2020
Dear Neighbour,
Shepperton Studios expansion: invitation to an online Q&A session
As you will be aware, in July 2019, outline plans were approved by Spelthorne Borough Council to expand and redevelop Shepperton Studios – providing a range of facilities such as new sound stages, offices, workshops, backlots, car parking and infrastructure, as well as a new access to the expansion site from Shepperton Road. We are now looking to finalise the project details to deliver the expansion and would like to update you on our plans. Taking into account COVID-19, and the impact this has on our ability to meet with you in person, we would like to provide you with information via our project website and inviting you to an online Q&A session. The Q&A sessions are taking place at the following times: 14:30 – 16:00 on Tuesday 8th September 2020 18:30 – 20:00 on Tuesday 8th September 2020 At the online briefing we will provide you with information about our plans to bring forward the Shepperton Studios expansion and hold a live Q&A session with the project team to answer any questions you may have. Please let us know if you are able to attend, and which time slot is most convenient for you, via email at [email protected] or by calling Turley directly on 0808 168 8296. They will then send you the log in details to join the online event. You can also use these contact details to get in touch with the project team for any queries you may have. Project information will also be made available online from Tuesday 8th September 2020 on the project website: www.sheppertonstudiosconsultation.co.uk. If you do not have access to a computer, or would like to speak to our consultants in person, then please call the number above and they can discuss the project with you directly.
We look forward to working with you on the next phase of the Shepperton Studios expansion. Very best wishes,
Kathryn Maidment Group Community Liaison Pinewood Studios Group
Studios Estate
The letters were distributed to 173 addresses. The distribution area for this can be seen in below. Cranwell Grove and Laleham Road distribution area
The letters were distributed to 112 addresses. The distribution area for this can be seen below. Wider Community Consultation Area
The letters were distributed to 1997 addresses. The distribution area for this can be seen in below. Appendix 3: Website