Daimler Chrysler and Their Proposed Brooklands Development.

. . . . . . . /continued from previous page . . . .

The next stage of the planning process is for all interested parties to review the plans in detail and provide comments to the planning authority. It is expected that this will take several months. It is likely, although not certain, that there will be a public enquiry. We will update on progress as information becomes available. 

The developer must detail the "very special circumstances" required by planning legislation which they think will permit them to build on green belt.

Significantly, however, the supporting statement to the application also includes the following items which are of great significance to us (quoted directly from section 4.5 of the statement):
Click to see a larger picture.
1. "The preparation of a conservation management plan to secure improvements to the fabric of the historic race track and the appearance and setting of the Brooklands Memorial."

2. "Assistance in achieving Heritage Lottery Funding for the reconstruction of a bridge similar to the original Hennebique Bridge, to renew the historic link between the Railway Straight and the Members Banking."

3. "Demolition of the large "Air Hanson" Hangar.... and the restoration of the original track surface to restore the integrity of the Railway Straight."

The so-called Air Hanson hangar has not been occupied by Air Hanson for some time and apparently the present occupants are using it without the correct planning permission in place which is said to be causing damage to the very track that we recently secured listing for. This is now a criminal offence so in due course we expect to see the appropriate action take place.

Additionally, section 4.18 states that "the preservation of historic features of the site will take place ...... Phased applications for scheduled monument consent for the restoration of the historic track will be submitted to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to enable these works to take place."

It is also worth quoting also from the present draft of the conservation plan itself (the committee is providing assistance to the developer in preparing this document, which was requested by English Heritage), with regard to its scope: 

"The aim is to produce a plan to which all other landowners at the site will sign up, bringing the complete area of the former circuit under one unified management regime. "In section 5.11 of the supporting statement to the planning application, DCUK state that they are "willing to co-ordinate and take responsibility for this complex project". This is of course very good news.

The importance of an effective and unifying conservation plan cannot be overstated. With the track being in the ownership of so many different owners, not all of whom are sympathetic to our cause, it is, realistically, beyond the best efforts of your committee and our excellent track clearers to maintain all of it to the standard it deserves. 

The involvement of DCUK will change the balance of this equation entirely, especially as English Heritage and the planning authorities will want to see that the terms of any agreements are adhered to. Once such a plan is in place we can begin to bring to reality our dreams of seeing a new bridge built, and a proper track restoration completed. But be warned, there is yet a long way to go, and much work to be done. 

So what does all this mean for the circuit? 
It is important to stress that, at this stage, the above items amount only to assurances and good intentions on the part of the developer. Note that they do not commit to anything other than generalised timeframes, or spell out exactly what is meant by restoration. 

Nothing is yet set in stone. However, they are components of the Supporting Statement submitted to Elmbridge Borough Council as part of the planning application, and where included in the Conservation Plan, will form part of a section 106 agreement, which will be legally enforceable. 

On balance, and given the very sympathetic attitude shown by DCUK in our discussions to date, at this stage of the proceedings, the present view held by the committee is that the proposals appear to provide the best option for the safeguarding the future of Brooklands. We will naturally continue not only to monitor things carefully, but through our ongoing involvement in the planning process will continue to further influence the developers in the right direction.

We all nurture the dream of seeing the remaining track restored and the Hennebique Bridge rebuilt, so that cars can again run on it in a meaningful way. The harsh truth of this is that to do so will require an enormous amount of money, and especially in the case of the bridge, specialist planning expertise. Consider, for example, the view of the landlords of the office buildings at The Heights who may choose to regard any new bridge as a significant increase to the flood risk - but also bear in mind our significant warnings during the Prudential/Helical Bar episode - click here for a refresher. 

As things stand to day, even with Lottery funding (they would provide no more than 75% of the total cost), the Society cannot hope to raise all of the money required, or gain the essential support of the many land owners and other interested parties involved. 

With DCUK providing a unifying force, driving forward a comprehensive conservation plan, and supporting Lottery funding applications, does this not look like the best option presently available to us? If not DCUK, then who? How likely is it that another developer will be as sympathetic? DCUK have a lot to gain from seeing their investment framed against the backdrop of a restored and well maintained track, and a lot to lose from allowing it to decay in their ownership.

Realistically, we cannot, and should not, expect DCUK to act purely out of a sense of philanthropy. This will not happen. However, if the Society can continue to show itself as a constructive partner in this process, and provide good business reasons and business plans in support of our ambitions, then there is presently no reason to believe that DCUK will not be able, in time, to help us to finally turn the corner and see Brooklands improving day by day, instead of declining and falling victim to ever more unsympathetic development.

I am anxious to hear your constructive opinions and comments on this article. After all, the Committee exists to represent the views of the members as a whole. You can use the form below to contact me , alternatively write to me at 12 Trentham Close, Bournemouth, Dorset BH7 7JA. 

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.


Nick Plane
Heritage and Preservation Committee
The Brooklands Society.

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