PROTECT PAINSHILL FROM THE A3 DEVELOPMENT
Highways England are proposing a number of changes to the M25 & A3 roads which will have a major negative impact on Painshill (Grade 1 listed landscape garden). Highways England’s proposed preferred development will ‘grab land’ from Painshill, meaning areas of the landscape will be lost forever under the development of the ever increasing road network.
Why we need your help
Painshill is one of the most important and significant landscape gardens in the country. With your support, we aim to safeguard parts of our much loved landscape garden, and protect it from this road development. Highways England’s preferred development will take large parts of land that runs past the Gothic Tower (built 1750’s) and destroy a high number of trees from the ancient woodlands.
We have until the 26th March 2018 to comment on plans for the enlarged M25 / A3 roundabout and A3 developments.
>> SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND SIGN THE PETITION
If Highways England go ahead with their preferred proposal, the environmental impact to Painshill will be substantial and can be described briefly as follows:
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Loss of land at Grade 1 Historic Landscape
Painshill is a Grade 1 listed 18th century landscape garden. It is the vison of one man, the Hon. Charles Hamilton, and is of exceptional historic interest. It is also a contender for World Heritage Site status. If the additional roadway is built, not only will the land taken be irreversibly damaged and changed, but it will also impinge upon the historic landscape.
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Noise pollution
An increase in vehicle volume, moving at higher speeds will create more noise and air pollution, which will negatively impact on the tranquillity of the landscape and all who visit. Their preferred scheme will see the removable of a number of trees from the ancient woodland that act as natural sound barrier to the rest of the Landscape. Painshill is an outdoor space where thousands of people seek to enjoy the landscape in a peaceful, tranquil and healthy way.
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Damage to views
There will be an increase in the number of locations where the proposed road layout will be visible, as well as seeing an increase in HGV and motor traffic passing at higher speeds. This will affect the historically important vistas and views at Painshill.
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Damage to Historic Buildings
The proposed road widening will bring the A3 even closer to the Gothic Tower at the far end of the park. This building, which was restored at substantial cost some years ago, is potentially threatened both by the proposed road widening and from traffic vibration from the A3.
This year will see the completion of the rebuilding of the Temple of Bacchus, a master stroke of Charles Hamilton’s with its commanding views across the Surrey countryside. The proposed scheme will bring road traffic within audible distance of this building.
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Loss of ancient woodland & trees
The trees at Painshill are of historical and horticultural significance. The proposed change to the A3, will see the loss of many irreplaceable historic Painshill trees, including those in ancient woodland.
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Destroying the habitat of local wildlife
The development would remove large parts of woodland, leading to the destruction of natural habitat of birds and woodland animals.
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Loss of Revenue
Painshill Park Trust is a charitable trust which depends upon public support either through individual entry admissions or donations from individuals and Trusts. In addition, revenue is raised from the Park being used for filming. If the proposed scheme goes ahead the Trust stands to see a substantial decline in its income from all these sources which will inevitably affect the future conservation and restoration of the historic Park.
While we fully recognise the need to improve the A3 and M25, Highways England have a number of other, and in our opinion, better options that would not impinge upon the historic landscape, while still meeting the needs of the road users. If Highways England go ahead with their chosen route, we believe they have not correctly engaged or consulted with Painshill, or carried out the necessary background evaluation work to make a balanced and informed decision.
Painshill Park Trust is calling on Highways England to reject its current ”Preferred Route” and return to the project design phase so that the safeguarding of the historic Park can be included in the design criteria.
Please sign and support our petition if you believe Painshill should be protected from the development of the A3 so it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.
