Court supports Kingston’s demands for maintenance of Seething Wells site

This latest step sees the landowner tasked with substantial maintenance of the wall and railings, as well as removing all rubbish and overgrowth from the site over the next 12 months. The order was agreed by both parties. 

The 19th century waterworks site in Surbiton, which is privately owned by Cascina, is designated as both Metropolitan Open Land and a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation due to its ecological importance. 

In December 2021, the council issued a notice requiring Cascina to undertake maintenance work to help improve the condition of the site. Cascina appealed the notice a month later, on the grounds that they were not responsible for the wall, the works required by the notice were too extensive and the period to carry out the works was too short. 

The council did not accept the grounds put forward by Cascina. On 14 October 2022, Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court made an order, varying the requirements of the notice and extending the time within which Cascina must complete the works.  It also ordered Cascina to contribute towards the council’s legal fees. Both the order and the costs were agreed by the landowner.

If the Cascina does not carry out the required works within the timeframe, they may be prosecuted by the council. 

The Notice as varied is avaialble to download here. For more information, visit the Seething Wells Filter Beds webpage.