Recreation and amenity

What is the land at Spa Meadow used for?

We currently use the land at Spa Meadow as a storage area for materials and equipment for maintaining and operating the Lower Mole scheme. Unfortunately we have experienced several instances of break-ins and theft of equipment in the past, which is why the land remains fenced off.

Can access to Spa Meadow and other parts of the scheme be improved?

We want to work with others to encourage walking and recreation along rivers and on our land where this is an appropriate use. For the Lower Mole, we had initial discussions with the local authorities on opening up the site at Spa Meadow. However until the future of the scheme is decided we cannot move this along any further. This is because if large-scale works are required, for example, new sluice gates, we will need the land to store contractor's equipment and provide welfare facilities for our teams.

We continue to meet with both Elmbridge Borough Council and Surrey County Council to keep this matter under review. Should this matter progress we will also need to consult local residents living nearby.

As we progress decisions on the future of the scheme we are very open to further discussions on the public accessibility of our land.

Will residents be allowed access to the river banks and river?

Access through the existing amenity licences will continue to run in accordance with the terms in which they were granted.

Future requests for opportunities to access the river channel within the Environment Agency's ownership will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Are footpaths being improved?

Once a preferred option for the scheme is selected, there will be the opportunity, subject to available funding, to look at this during the detailed design phase.

Are there going to be any alterations made to make it easier to use boats along the Scheme?

Our priority is to sustain flood protection for residents and businesses. Installing a lock in this part of the river channel will not help alleviate any flood risk, therefore it is not being proposed as part of the scheme.

Will you consider increasing access for canoe users?

There will be opportunities to consider increased canoe access once a preferred option is selected and the detailed design stage of the project begins.

Opportunities depend upon funding available, safety and practicalities of enhancing access.

Will land potentially exposed as a result of lower day to day water levels along the river have a right to roam status?

Regardless which option is taken forward there is no right to access rivers in English law. However, we will investigate options to improve access, amenity, and recreation in consultation with the local community, local authorities, and riverside landowners.



What is the land at Spa Meadow used for?

We currently use the land at Spa Meadow as a storage area for materials and equipment for maintaining and operating the Lower Mole scheme. Unfortunately we have experienced several instances of break-ins and theft of equipment in the past, which is why the land remains fenced off.

Can access to Spa Meadow and other parts of the scheme be improved?

We want to work with others to encourage walking and recreation along rivers and on our land where this is an appropriate use. For the Lower Mole, we had initial discussions with the local authorities on opening up the site at Spa Meadow. However until the future of the scheme is decided we cannot move this along any further. This is because if large-scale works are required, for example, new sluice gates, we will need the land to store contractor's equipment and provide welfare facilities for our teams.

We continue to meet with both Elmbridge Borough Council and Surrey County Council to keep this matter under review. Should this matter progress we will also need to consult local residents living nearby.

As we progress decisions on the future of the scheme we are very open to further discussions on the public accessibility of our land.

Will residents be allowed access to the river banks and river?

Access through the existing amenity licences will continue to run in accordance with the terms in which they were granted.

Future requests for opportunities to access the river channel within the Environment Agency's ownership will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Are footpaths being improved?

Once a preferred option for the scheme is selected, there will be the opportunity, subject to available funding, to look at this during the detailed design phase.

Are there going to be any alterations made to make it easier to use boats along the Scheme?

Our priority is to sustain flood protection for residents and businesses. Installing a lock in this part of the river channel will not help alleviate any flood risk, therefore it is not being proposed as part of the scheme.

Will you consider increasing access for canoe users?

There will be opportunities to consider increased canoe access once a preferred option is selected and the detailed design stage of the project begins.

Opportunities depend upon funding available, safety and practicalities of enhancing access.

Will land potentially exposed as a result of lower day to day water levels along the river have a right to roam status?

Regardless which option is taken forward there is no right to access rivers in English law. However, we will investigate options to improve access, amenity, and recreation in consultation with the local community, local authorities, and riverside landowners.



Page last updated: 08 Apr 2024, 11:18 AM