Today, the Southbury Residents Association (SRA) hosted an open debate on MS Teams with councillors (Conservatives, Labour, Greens and Reform) seeking to represent Southbury ward in the upcoming local elections. The discussion highlighted a number of serious and valid concerns from local residents regarding the proposed Southbury Leisure Park development.
Key concerns raised:
🏫 Impact on Kingsmead School
Residents highlighted major concerns about the wellbeing of pupils and staff during the estimated 7-year construction period, including exposure to dust, pollution, noise, heavy machinery and reduced daylight.
There are also serious safety concerns around access to the school, with over 2,000 pupils, staff and parents potentially needing to navigate areas affected by ongoing construction for several years.
🚧 Safety and access during construction
Concerns were raised that both school users and leisure centre visitors may be forced to move through or around a long-term construction environment, raising risks around safety, congestion and accessibility.
🏊 Leisure centre and community impact
The development is expected to significantly affect access to the leisure centre, with reduced parking and the likelihood of controlled or paid parking measures. Residents questioned how large events such as swimming galas, football and hockey fixtures would operate, and warned that reduced accessibility could place this important community facility at risk over time.
🚗 Parking and Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs)
There are strong concerns about the likely introduction of CPZs in surrounding streets. Residents questioned how this would impact those who rely on vehicles for work or mobility, as well as visitors, carers and tradespeople such as plumbers and builders.
🌇 Height, density and loss of light
The proposed towers would significantly overshadow nearby homes and the school, reducing natural light and appearing entirely out of character with the predominantly low-rise area.
🏗️ Type of housing proposed
Residents expressed concern that the scheme prioritises build-to-rent accommodation, which may not meet the needs of local families. Many feel the focus should instead be on affordable, family-sized homes that support long-term community stability, rather than high-density, transient living.
📊 Scale of development
It was noted that the proposal appears to far exceed the originally indicated provision of approximately 600 homes, raising questions about overdevelopment of the site.
⚖️ A call for responsible decision-making
Residents are clear: we are not against regeneration or new homes. However, development must be appropriate in scale, respect the character of the area, and properly consider the impact on existing residents, schools and community facilities.
The council’s planning committee has a duty of care to fully and fairly consider the concerns of local residents before making any decision.
As we approach the local elections this May, residents are encouraged to reflect carefully on their vote — supporting those who demonstrate a genuine commitment to putting the community at the heart of their decision-making, and who recognise the wider impact of overdevelopment across the borough.