We wanted to update you on the presentation about the future of the Rainbow Industrial Estate (by Raynes Park Station) that was given tonight at part of the ‘Raynes Park Community Forum’.

There were about 50 residents, who listened to a presentation from Workspace, the owners of the site. They explained they wanted to outline a process “for taking forward some ideas” and that they wanted to “renew” the employment opportunities on the site.

Waste Processing?
They said that the previous plans for a waste processing plant on the site (2009) were from when they were “not fully in control of the site” and that this was “not within [their] thinking at the moment”. They explained that their business is operating affordable business spaces.

“Opportunities” for the site?
They feel that the main problem with the site is access from the road, because of the constricted entrance and difficult junction outside the Station. They own 9 Grand Drive, and so could widen the entrance. They see the site as useful for a “range of employment uses” – mainly light industrial. They want to improve the way the site looks – and “significantly improve” the area around Raynes Park Station. The buildings currently on the site are outdated, and there is some land contamination (oil and diesel from vehicles) which needs to be dealt with.

In order to release money to develop the employment potential of the site, they want to build flats on (part of) the site.

Transport access and parking
They have spoken to Network Rail about getting transport access from West Barnes Lane, but Network Rail are not keen because of the need to cross the rail lines. They explained that there were planning restrictions on parking in new schemes, which were fewer than one space per flat, but that they would carry out the necessary transport assessments and a “Green Travel plan”. They were also keen to stress that any residents on the site could be prevented from getting residents parking permits.

What next?
By September 2012 Workspace want to have developed a “brief” for the site, that could pave the way for a later planning application. Over the next few months they will begin an “engagement process” with residents to help them develop the brief.

What do you think?
Some people at the meeting wanted a multi-storey car park to improve parking in Raynes Park. The site’s owners were not keen, and neither were some residents because of the potential increase in traffic.

But what do you think? Write to us and let us know.
We campaigned heavily against “eco park” development on the site, a food waste processing plant that would have
increased traffic and air pollution. Now we want to make sure that residents get their full say on this important new development. We still have concerns about air quality caused by increased traffic, and there will be views about the use of the site and the way it looks.

If you would like to be kept up to date with our campaign, email Dundonald Lib Dems.