News on the Retrospective Valuation Report, the Statutory Inquiry, landscaping & carols
Update on the Retrospective Valuation Report
On Monday 28th November 2016 a Special Board meeting was held to consider the Retrospective
Valuation Report (RVR) undertaken by Daniel Watney LLP. This concerns the possible financial
loss to the Charity arising from the Easement that WPCC entered into with the London Borough of
Wandsworth for access rights over Putney Lower Common.
Representatives from Daniel Watney
and charity lawyers Charles Russell Speechlys who are guiding and advising the Board in this
matter were in attendance.
Having considered the initial advice of our lawyers the Board resolved to instruct Charles Russell
Speechlys to prepare a proposal plus fee estimate for the implementation of the next steps in the
Charity Commission’s Formal Action Plan for consideration at the next scheduled Board meeting
on the 12th December 2016. It will be early in the New Year that the Board will meet to decide
how to proceed.
Statutory Inquiry
The Statutory Inquiry into the Charity, opened in August 2016, continues. There is nothing further
to report on this matter at this time.
New Landscaping Underway at the New Development
The Easement entered into with the London Borough of Wandsworth for access rights over Putney
Lower Common, placed requirements by the Conservators on the Council to reinstate areas of
Common land that previously served as accessways to and a car park for the former hospital and
nurses’ accommodation. An area of Common land that was re-conveyed to the Conservators by
Wandsworth Primary Care Trust, to the rear of the new apartments, was also required to be
landscaped. These reinstatement works are now nearing completion.
The accessways that ran along the western boundary of the former hospital site have been
excavated and the spoil removed. These areas have been topsoiled and seeded with a mixture of
wild flower and grass seed. These new meadows will be protected by fencing until at least the
Spring of 2017, so the sward has a chance to grow, before allowing the public to access these
restored areas of Common land.
Protective earth bunds have been installed along the front edge of the Common at its interface with
the Lower Richmond Road and alongside the accessway serving the New Development. Planting
areas are currently being prepared and these will be protected by temporary wooden fencing,
similar to that used to protect the new plantings adjacent to the woodland buffer on the main part of
Putney Lower Common. These planting works, which will include a range of native shrub and trees
species, are due to commence early in December 2016.
Carols by the Windmill
On the 17th December 2017 the Windmill Museum Trustees are hosting a carol concert outside the
Windmill from 3.00 to 4.30pm as a celebration to mark the restoration of the sails. A local concert
band will be leading the carols and hot drinks and mince pies will be provided. All are invited to
join what is expected to be a fitting festive event.
Simon Lee
Chief Executive of Wimbledon and Putney Commons
December 9, 2016