The first of the official considerations by Kingston Council of the Dairy Crest planning application, on the corner of Villiers Avenue and Lower Marsh Lane, took place on 20th May at the Surbiton Neighbourhood committee meeting.

It was great to see so many residents coming to express their views on the proposed development. They raised issues such as over development and that it is out of character with the area, especially the height and mass of the buildings; increase in traffic from residents of the new development and retail units; lack of affordable housing within the plans and how it will reduce sunlight to existing residents, particularly those in Villiers Close. They also raised concerns on the accuracy of the plans and sunlight studies, who would move into the retail units and safety of cyclists/pedestrians on this London Cycling Network and Hogsmill Valley route.

Councillors in Surbiton agreed with all their points, especially the density (including height) of the flats in this area, lack of affordable housing and loss of amenity for existing residents.

These comments now go forward to Kingston’s Development Control Committee on 10th June.  The Councillors on this committee will make the decision to permit or refuse the planning application. If you haven’t already commented, you can still do so.

says Councillor Diane White, St Mark’s Ward Councillor.

Kingston Council has the full details and how to comment on the plans.