Flats plan will make Ali G's Staines a reality

Jan 9 2009 By Ed Saunt

Ali G

Angry residents say Ali G's image of run-down Staines could become a reality after Spelthorne Council approved a 143-flat development in Bridge Street.

Speaking at a council planning meeting on January 7 on behalf of opponents to the scheme, Peter Bowers suggested the proposals from developer George Wimpey were something Sacha Baron-Cohen's comedy creation would be proud of.

Mr Bowers, of Island Close, said: "This proposed development will significantly damage the town. It is too large and totally inappropriate for the riverside. Some years ago Ali G made Staines infamous for having a so called 'Staines Massive'. 

"If these plans go ahead Staines Massive will become a concrete reality."

Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Beardsmore said that while he appreciated the sentiment, his fellow councillors should not be laughing. "I am actually very, very concerned," he added. "I don't think this is very amusing. We are building the ghetto of the future here."

Nevertheless councillors voted seven to four in favour of the proposal, which includes demolishing the multi-storey car park and Staines & Egham Sea Cadets building and replacing them with 143 flats - 71 of which will be affordable housing.

The development will be made up of three blocks incorporating 52 one-bedroom, 89 two-bedroom and two three-bedroom flats along with a new headquarters for the sea cadets and a cafe.

Former mayor Cllr Malcolm Royer sparked fury from his own party, the Conservatives, when he suggested the committee had a vested interest in the development. He claimed Spelthorne Council could make up to £10m by granting the scheme.

Cllr Royer, who voted against the development, said: "We do feel we should be passing this because it will help our finances. I know people don't like me saying it but we have got a vested interest in this.

"I don't see how we are supposed to decide on this when we have got things riding on the outcome."

The council refused to confirm the price it is seeking for the site but according to sources it is believed to be between £6-10m - an amount that left watching residents wondering if councillors had pre-judged the outcome.

Cllr Richard Smith-Ainsley said: "Despite the fact the council owns the land we are purely looking at this as a planning application."

Jeremy Johnston, an opposition campaigner of Waters Drive, said: "I really believe that the decision on this was made in advance. I really believe they had decided to pass this before they came to vote on it. How could they not when there's so much money riding on it?"