New play equipment sought for Hersham Recreation Ground

• HAGS applies for permission to install new play equipment at Hersham Recreation Ground on behalf of Elmbridge Borough Council.
• Proposals include a multi-play unit of up to 7.25 metres in height, a rope swing, a new swing set, and a replacement picnic table.
• Existing overhead runway, junior swing, and picnic table would be removed as part of the scheme.
• Around 243 square metres of wetpour rubber safety surfacing is proposed within the existing playground boundary.
• The applicant claims exemption from biodiversity net gain requirements, arguing the works remain within the existing fenced area and affect no priority habitats.

Permission is being sought to install a new multi-play unit and associated equipment at the children's playground within Hersham Recreation Ground, Hersham.

The application, submitted by HAGS (trading as HAGS-SMP Ltd) on behalf of Elmbridge Borough Council, proposes the removal of the existing overhead runway, a two-seat junior swing, and a picnic table, and their replacement with a multi-play unit reaching a maximum height of 7.25 metres, a Viper rope swing, a Mira swing set comprising one basket seat and two flat seats, a Hoftor seat, an animal play sign, and a replacement picnic table in a revised location. Approximately 243 square metres of wetpour rubber safety surfacing would also be laid within the existing fenced playground area.

The application notes that one piece of equipment, referred to as the 'Unimix', exceeds four metres in height, which triggers the requirement for planning consent under the terms of the tender awarded to HAGS by the council.

Proposed external materials include green steel and green and beige high-pressure laminate, replacing the existing red steel. No changes to ground levels or boundary fencing are proposed, and the site will continue to operate as a public children's playground.

The applicant contends that the development is exempt from biodiversity net gain requirements on the grounds that the works are confined to the existing fenced playground area and do not extend into surrounding grassland, remove trees or hedgerows, or result in a measurable loss of habitat.