Monthly Borough News December 2024 – our online newsletter
Iam delighted that Deputy Mayor Councillor Elizabeth Park will be with us at our AGM next month presiding over our AGM and then telling us more about the vibrant and successful Korean diaspora around New Malden.
Kingston upon Thames has one of the largest expatriate communities of Koreans in Europe. There are estimated to be around 10,000 Koreans in New Malden itself and up to 20,000 Koreans living in surrounding areas and is the most ethnically diverse area in the borough.
This lovely enclave features Korean supermarkets, restaurants, hair salons, churches, schools, and community centres, earning it the nickname “London’s Koreatown.” Despite language barriers limiting interaction with the broader British public, the Korean community has established a supportive network, including churches and social groups, to assist newcomers and foster a sense of belonging. For many, New Malden represents a new home where they can build better futures for themselves and their families. As we race to the end of a (another) extraordinary year of changes, threats and opportunities we have seen a change of government and some significant changes in ambition and policy. Not least the ambition to build 1.5m new homes, some of those on poor quality green belt (‘grey belt’) and a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that dismisses the hard fought struggle to include beauty as an aspirational standard for design quality.
Of the last I am personally most distressed, believing that beauty is a deeply profound value and part of the same moral set of beliefs that embraces justice and truth. Pragmatically I fear that in the rush to build, not only will the best of place-making ideals be lost, but that the longer term gains of good sustainability standards might be sacrificed.
But for sure you don’t engage in the discourse of Kingston Society’s remit without some resilience and optimism, so I will gird my loins, put my best foot forward, my shoulder to the wheel and press on reward less!
Oh, in case it slips my mind in the excitement and the rush for mince pies, allow me to wish all our members seasonal best wishes and a bonny new year.
Wednesday 15th January 7:30 pm at the Judge Lecture Hall, Tiffin School, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6RL (Click here to see a map of the area)
Tony Lancaster – Chair
1. LOCAL PLANNING ISSUES
These planning matters have caught our eye:
Canbury Park Planning Application. The committee along with NKF and CARA members met with the developers, architects to discuss revised plans for Canbury Place car park and 12-52 Kingsgate Road for the demolition of the existing buildings and the erection of two buildings to provide residential apartments.
The removal of Phase 2 and the Phase 2 land from the application in its revised form is a retrograde step. Phase 2, which encompasses land on the eastern side of Walter Road including the backs of properties on Richmond Road, was integral to the comprehensive vision for the redevelopment of Canbury Place Car Park. Its exclusion leaves a very unsatisfactory boundary for the eastern edge of the proposals. Furthermore, this piecemeal approach directly contradicts the 2016 North Kingston Development Brief, which explicitly states on page 42: “A piecemeal approach to redeveloping the site area, based on the current land ownership pattern, will not be supported by the Council, as it will frustrate the objectives and development principles identified in this Brief.”
Missed Opportunities for Land Assembly
Without Phase 2, there’s little incentive for the necessary land assembly to achieve the Council’s vision. This risks falling short of the full potential envisaged by the borough’s planning policies.
Alternative Approaches Ignored
Several solutions could have mitigated this outcome. The Council could use compulsory purchase powers, supported by developer funding, to enable a comprehensive scheme. Alternatively, revisiting the P20 proposal from the Kingston Town Centre Area Action Plan could provide a balanced approach, retaining Kingsgate Road as a highway while developing on either side. Innovative ideas, such as bridging over Kingsgate Road with new structures, also remain unexplored.
Height Concerns Unaddressed
The Council’s Draft Tall Buildings Strategy (November 2023) emphasises the sensitivity of Kingston Town Centre to tall buildings. The Strategy suggests a 12-storey maximum for this site unless clear and compelling justifications for greater height are provided. The revised application does not meet these criteria.
A Call for Consideration
As the Council evaluates the revised application, it is urged to address these critical issues to ensure the development aligns with Kingston’s long-term planning goals and protects the integrity of its urban landscape.
The North Kingston Forum has also strongly objected to the amended proposal for the Canbury Place Car Park development, citing numerous concerns. The revised plan reduces the height of the building to 15 storeys and the number of homes to 265 but fails to address key issues such as the building height exceeding area maximum height, the lack of affordable housing, critical social infrastructure, and potential traffic congestion. They emphasise the adverse impact on highway safety, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and increased pollution due to the closure of Kingsgate Road and other planned traffic flow changes. Concerns about drainage, flooding risks, and the loss of disabled parking further exacerbate the objections.
Additionally, the Forum criticises the scheme’s lack of public amenities and raises concerns about its unsympathetic design and potential impact on the local economy and emergency services. They argue that the development does not meet the Royal Borough’s standards for high-quality, well-designed tall buildings and recommend amendments to retain Kingsgate Road’s functionality while addressing these issues. Overall, they call for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to the site’s development.
The meeting also raised the concern that the closure of Kingsgate Road, while consistent with the North Kingston Development Brief (2016), is proposed without necessary Phase 2 redevelopment of adjacent sites, resulting in unanticipated traffic implications and would lead to long term and extensive traffic congestion. The introduction of a left-hand turn from Sopwith Way onto Richmond Road exacerbates congestion risks, particularly at key junctions, and poses significant hazards for pedestrians and cyclists. These issues contravene NPPF §110(b), which requires that development proposals create safe and secure layouts minimising conflicts between users.
Committee members attend an early stage consultation by Berkeley Homes in partnership with Scotia Gas Networks. No plans on offer but aspirations “to regenerate this previously developed brownfield site, transforming it into a vibrant new community.” The Motspur Park Gas Holders have been a big part of the South-West London skyline since the 1920s. They used to power London with gas for heating and cooking, but times have changed, and the industry now stores gas within underground pipe networks.
The site currently houses three redundant gas holders, alongside pressure reduction systems that convert high pressure gas to low and medium pressure for distribution to local areas such as Kingston and Croydon. The developers are keen to stress their credentials for this kind of scheme and say they are:
“LONG TERM PLACE KEEPERS – Unlike many developers, our commitment to the community extends far beyond handing over the keys to new residents. Our dedicated in-house estate management team ensures the smooth integration of the development into the local area, and the ongoing management of on-site facilities, even decades after completion.
Our team of Community Engagement Officers create tailored Community Plans designed to foster long-term connections among neighbours, encourage active participation in local stewardship, and build stronger, more integrated communities.
At Motspur Park, we’re excited to apply this approach to create a vibrant, community-led neighbourhood for everyone to enjoy.”
Kingston University has started public consultations for its new School of Art building at Middle Mill, located on Portland Road, KT1. This site currently houses some of the University’s student halls of residence. The building is being designed by Grafton Architects, the Dublin-based firm renowned for the University’s award-winning Town House. The proposed £22 million project aims to enhance the educational facilities available to students at Kingston School of Art, providing additional studio-based education space and technical support facilities. Consultations took place in November 2024, during which committee members generally provided positive feedback about the scheme; however, they noted that additional research is needed regarding potential impacts on the Conservation Area and proposed demolition works. Completion targeted for the 2029-30 academic year. For more details, including artists’ impressions and site plans, visit the Kingston University website
The Society was invited to meet to discuss in the broadest terms JL’s plans for its Kingston store.
As the partnership explores its options for the store’s future, the JL team declared the intention to maintain and maximise its retail presence, and to then see what is required to achieve this.
Recognising the evolving nature of retail, they emphasised that improving the customer experience is crucial for the store’s continued presence in Kingston. They expressed a desire to develop ideas with input from groups like ours. We were told that other relevant local organisations and local groups will be invited to the initial round of consultations to engage early in the process, well before plans are finalised—potentially 12 to 18 months from now. As they stated, “This is the start of a journey, and the main objective of this exercise is to enhance John Lewis’s retail offering.”
But is it surely significant the meeting was organised by Senior Development Manager Ken Harrison at John Lewis charged with developing their Build to Rent business. They also told us that they had an obtained an ‘Exemption from listing’ permission which would, presumably, allow for a planning application that includes demolishing the existing store. On their website JL say:
”The John Lewis Partnership is pushing ahead with its commitment to build and operate much needed rental homes for communities and help address the UK’s housing crisis. Today (30 June) marks a significant milestone when we submit our first planning applications for ‘build-to-rent’ sites at West Ealing (illustrated left) and Bromley. Initial plans for a vacant warehouse site in Reading will be brought forward later this year.
It follows our announcement in December last year of a £500m multi-decade joint venture with global investment company abrdn to deliver around 1,000 new homes across the three locations.
‘Build-to-rent’ is a growing sector in the UK where homes are built with the sole purpose of renting to local communities, not to build and sell for a quick profit. It’s much needed to address the growing housing crisis and rising demand for rental homes as private landlords leave the market. Our proposed developments show a long-term commitment to raise standards in rental homes in these communities, where we have local presence through Waitrose shops.
Our plans would see 428 new homes in West Ealing and 353 in Bromley, many of which would be affordable and targeted at key public sector workers such as nurses or teachers. Our ambition is that 35% of the properties are affordable housing with a focus on provision for key workers. The average proportion of affordable housing in new homes developed in England in 2022 was 11.4%”.
We would be very concerned to see a riverside development of that size in Kingston no matter how fine the retail offering was.
f you would like to find out more or wish to engage with their team, you are invited to contact them via this address Gabrial Abulafia email: gabriel@redwoodconsulting.co.uk
Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College (RHACC) has announced the sale of its Hillcroft campus in Surbiton, consolidating all educational activities at its main Parkshot campus in Richmond and selected community venues. RHACC claims that their intention is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the College and its mission to empower adults and communities in South West London through education and skills development.
This is the bad news of the year! And we are very disappointed and surprised by this development. It is a huge blow to Kingston’s heritage. What we are losing is a piece of history that is of national significance. Hillcroft was the first residential college for working women, established in 1918 by Phoebe Walters, marking an enormously important step forward in the liberation of women in England—both at the time and again after World War II.
In addition to its significance for women’s education and empowerment, the site holds further historical importance. It was once the home of Wilberforce Bryant and is closely associated with the nature reserve named after Richard Jefferies. Furthermore, during the Boer War, the grounds were used as a voluntary military hospital, adding yet another layer to its rich history.
Losing such a site represents not just the erasure of a local treasure but a critical piece of our collective past.
The Hillcroft campus, which has a rich history of providing education, particularly for women, is being sold as its facilities are deemed outdated. Plans to develop new teaching facilities and housing on the site were shelved after COVID-19-related delays and rising costs made the project financially unfeasible. The College’s governing body reviewed the situation in July 2024 and concluded that the sale was the most viable option.
Staff currently based at the Hillcroft campus will have the opportunity to relocate to the Parkshot campus, and agents have been appointed to manage the sale. There has already been strong interest in the property, and updates will follow once the sale process is complete. RHACC has claimed that while teaching will cease at the Hillcroft site, its legacy will continue through courses offered at the Richmond campus, preserving the institution’s commitment to women’s education.
We will follow this up vehemently. If you wish to help or find out more, Claire Melish’s piece on our website is an excellent start
London Square (Hawks Clinic) Christmas update for the residents and the local community. Building work at the former NHS clinic site on Hawks Road, now renamed Square Roots Kingston, are largely on schedule, with brickwork complete on lower floors and frame construction on track to finish by January. Two Coinford container units along Washington Road will be removed before Christmas. Block A has one floor left before the roof, and Block B is starting storey 12 next week, with only the roof remaining.
Project completion is still expected by Q2 2026, though the crane will stay until August/September 2025 to assist with roof plants and balconies. The site will close for Christmas at the end of Tuesday 24 December and reopen on Thursday 2 January 2025.
NATIONAL PLANNING – the full stories are elsewhere on our website please follow the links below
2. AROUND THE SOCIETY • AROUND THE BOROUGH
North Kingston Neighbourhood Plan: A decade of community-driven Vision – Diane Watling presented the near ten-year effort behind the North Kingston Neighbourhood Plan(NKNPlan), a locally driven framework aiming to balance sustainable growth with preserving the area’s suburban charm. Originating in 2017 through extensive community consultation, the plan addresses housing, climate resilience, infrastructure, and socio-economic sustainability. Key policies include height limits for tall buildings, protection of green spaces, and investment in local amenities, with 25% of Community Infrastructure Levy funds allocated to local projects. Shaped by over 1,000 resident contributions, the plan reflects collective aspirations while mitigating concerns about overdevelopment. As it moves toward adoption, the NKNPlan exemplifies grassroots planning, offering a blueprint for a resilient and thriving North Kingston towards 2041.
Kingston 2025 Kingston to Mark Historic Anniversary with Major Cultural Celebration in 2025 The committee met with Scott Furlong, RBK’s Corporate Head of Culture and Heritage, and Kathryn Woodvine, Programme Director Kingston 2025 to share plans and pursue mutual interests. Kingston is gearing up for a landmark cultural celebration in 2025, as the borough commemorates the 1100th anniversary of Athelstan’s crowning—a pivotal moment in English history. The ambitious programme, set to run for six months starting on 3 May, promises to spotlight Kingston’s heritage while embracing contemporary creativity.
Dubbed “Kingston 2025,” the celebration will feature a wide array of events running from March to September, including public performances, art installations, a river festival, and a community-driven history project. Organisers aim to draw locals and visitors alike into an exploration of the borough’s rich historical ties to the monarchy, as well as its enduring role as a cultural hub.
Key events will take place across Kingston’s iconic sites, blending historical reflection with modern artistic expressions. The festival is also set to highlight the River Thames’ significance, with water-themed events expected to be among the highlights of the programme.
Community participation is expected to play a central role in the celebrations, with opportunities for residents to contribute stories, research, and creative projects. Further details about the programme will be announced in the coming months, with organisers promising a diverse line-up designed to appeal to all ages and interests. With 2025 approaching, Kingston appears poised to transform its historic streets and riverside into a vibrant stage for history and art to collide.
Design Review Panel (DRP) reports. The Society is continuing to exert its right to access DRP reports as agreed by RBK’s Councillor Roger Hayes but met with some resistance by planning officers. The changes we asked for were:
1. Publication of design review panel reports routinely when a planning application has been submitted.
2. A change to the Council’s “Publication Scheme” to reflect this.
3. Publication of a rolling list of schemes that have been reviewed.
4. Publication of the annual report on design review prepared by DSE for the Council
5. The Council should sign up to the Mayor of London’s “London Design Review Charter”.
The Society believes these reports form a meaningful part of the planning process and it is in the interests of the Borough and its residents that they are made available.
Our policies and procedures. As part of our need to have clear and published policies we have our final draft of 17(!) policies from data protection to financial management. Policies & Procedures:
– Confidentiality (public)
– Conflict of Interest (public)
– Complaints (public)
– Data Protection (public)
– Safeguarding (public)
– Reserves
– Trustee Code of Conduct (public)
– Ethical Fundraising (public)
– Health & Safety and checklists (public)
– Social Media
– Risk Management (public)
– Anti-fraud, Bribery & Corruption (public)
– Financial Management
– Environmental (public)
– Volunteers
– Equality & Diversity (public)
– Planning (public)
Kingston Society has a ‘Soapbox.‘ The nature of our work is inevitably contentious but we aim to be balanced and neutral in our outbound communications. Sometimes we feel angry of course, or dispirited and cynical but must not allow this to be apparent in order to protect both our efficacy and our integrity. But there is room for opinions so we have created a ‘Soapbox: This is your space to share your thoughts—whether on housing, amenities, low traffic neighbourhoods, high-rise developments, planning policies, or the riverside’s charms. Whatever inspires or irks you, step onto the soapbox.
The views shared here are personal and may or may not be shared by the Kingston Society. Keep it civil: be bold but kind, critical but fair. Send your comments to the Editor.
2.5 Kingston Society has a ‘Soapbox.‘ The nature of our work is inevitably contentious but we aim to be balanced and neutral in our outbound communications. Sometimes we feel angry of course, or dispirited and cynical but must not allow this to be apparent in order to protect both our efficacy and our integrity. But there is room for opinions so we have created a ‘Soapbox: This is your space to share your thoughts—whether on housing, amenities, low traffic neighbourhoods, high-rise developments, planning policies, or the riverside’s charms. Whatever inspires or irks you, step onto the soapbox.
The views shared here are personal and do not reflect endorsement by The Kingston Society. Keep it civil: be bold but kind, critical but fair. Send your comments to the Editor.
Kingston Society launches Podcasts. In a first for Kingston Society we have our own podcast. Spoiler alert it is broadcast by two American friends of the Society, (Spoiler alert 2 they are AI generated but very convincing) Martin Scofield and Pamela Makinello are two AI Americans ‘living’ in Kingston. How it works is I send them some verified information and ask them to discuss what they read and to put it into some context. It’s interesting to hear an outsider’s view and they are happy to make more podcasts if you want to hear them. They won’t mind me saying they are very American, and a bit excitable :)
New book sheds light on the life of a 17th-century Kingston bricklayer Local historian Anne McCormack has published a fascinating new book, The Account Book of John Yeomans, Bricklayer, 1696-1711. Based on a unique archival document held by Kingston Borough’s archives, the book offers a detailed insight into the life and work of John Yeomans, a master bricklayer from Hampton Wick.
Yeomans contributed to several prestigious projects, including Petersham Lodge, Trumpeters’ House in Richmond, Teddington Place, and Hampton Court Mews. His work extended beyond the entries in the account book, with notable commissions such as rebuilding the tower of Kingston parish church after the great storm of 1703 and acting as a surveyor for Kingston’s court hall reconstruction.
The book includes a full transcript of Yeomans’ account book, alongside an introduction uncovering new information about his family, his connections to renowned architects Sir Christopher Wren and Sir John Vanbrugh, and the influence of post-Great Fire of London building legislation on his craft.
Anne McCormack, a former Strategic Manager for Kingston Museum & Heritage Service, is a respected archivist and local historian with a long-standing commitment to preserving Kingston’s history. Her latest work is a must-read for anyone interested in local heritage or the history of early modern building practices.
Published by the Surrey Record Society, It can be purchased price £20 from the Surrey History Centre. 01483 518737. shs@surreycc.gov.uk or can be seen in Kingston History Centre in the Guildhall.
3 UPCOMING EVENTS
The first meeting of 2025 will be the AGM 15th January. Along with refreshments and a commitment to speedily conduct essential business we are delighted that ex-officio President Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Park will both preside and deliver a talk on the 10,000 strong Korean community within the borough.
Last Updated on January 5, 2025 by Kingston Society