This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Zebra Crossing on Coombe Lane West Moves Forward Amidst Resident Concerns

The Place Committee met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to discuss a range of local infrastructure and transport proposals. A key item was the planned introduction of a new zebra crossing on Coombe Lane West, a move supported by local neighbourhood committees but met with some apprehension from residents. Link to the Place Committee meeting

The proposal aims to improve pedestrian safety, particularly for children and the elderly, and encourage more walking and active travel. While a consultation showed that 60% of residents supported the new crossing, 44% felt unhappy with the current pedestrian crossing situation. However, concerns were raised by some about potential traffic congestion, pollution, and safety near driveways. Council officers assured the committee that the design would address these issues, including drainage, and that the scheme would help mitigate speeding. The crossing is funded by Transport for London and is slated for implementation this summer.

Yellow Box Junction on Kingston Road to Remain Unchanged

The committee also reviewed the feasibility of shortening a yellow box junction on Kingston Road at its junction with Elm Road. This followed concerns raised by the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee about the operation and fines associated with the junction.

An independent assessment concluded that while a shorter yellow box would remain legal, it would demonstrably compromise cyclist safety without offering significant, measurable benefits to vehicle throughput. Consequently, the recommendation was to keep the yellow box junction as it is until a more comprehensive review by the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee is completed. This decision prioritises cyclist safety over potential, unproven benefits to vehicle flow.

New E-Bike Contracts to Expand Hire Services

The Place Committee also considered the award of concession contracts for e-bike hire services across Kingston and Sutton. With the current contract expiring, the council is moving to a new local model to manage the rapidly evolving e-bike market.

The proposed strategy involves appointing two operators for identical service concession contracts across both boroughs. These contracts, estimated to be worth £3.94 million per supplier over five years, will see an increase in the e-bike fleet size and will include financial contributions from the operators towards on-street parking bays. An Equalities Impact Assessment has been conducted, with measures in place to address potential obstructions from inconsiderately parked e-bikes, aiming to ensure the scheme benefits the community without creating new problems.

Other Matters

The Place Committee also discussed various other items, including the potential for a new zebra crossing on Coombe Lane West and the feasibility of shortening a yellow box junction on Kingston Road.

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Residents Voice Strong Objections to Warren House Licence Extension

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, to consider a new premises licence application for Warren House, a hotel on Warren Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7HY. The application sought to authorise regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol until midnight. However, the proposal was met with significant opposition from local residents, with 24 representations received, primarily concerning potential noise, public nuisance, and crime and disorder.

Residents expressed deep concerns about the impact of extended hours and activities on their quiet residential neighbourhood. Mr. Roya Elizada shared a harrowing personal account of a serious crime on his property, which he believes was facilitated by inadequate security at Warren House, highlighting fears for personal safety. Other residents, including Mr. John Tarrant, referenced past issues with late-night drinking and noise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the peace of the area. Mr. Rupert Cox, representing the Malden and Coombe Residents' Association, noted that the application appeared to conflict with existing planning conditions and questioned the applicant's awareness of guest number limits.

The applicant's representatives stated that the application was primarily to license newly added floor space and that the proposed hours were largely consistent with the existing licence. They emphasised that music would not be played outside and that there had been no noise complaints in the past year. However, the subcommittee members, Councillor Peter Higgins (Chair), Councillor Manish Shukla, and Councillor Yvonne Tracey, engaged in detailed questioning about noise control, external lighting, and patron numbers.

Following extensive submissions and questions, the subcommittee withdrew to make its decision, which will be communicated by email and followed by full reasons within five working days. The strong resident objections underscore the delicate balance the council must strike between supporting local businesses and protecting the quality of life for its residents.

Unilever UK's Sunlight House Secures New Premises Licence

In a separate matter, the same Licensing Sub-Committee meeting considered and granted a new premises licence to Unilever UK for Sunlight House, located at 22 Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1BY. The licence authorises the sale of alcohol from 8am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday, for both on and off-site consumption. Crucially, alcohol will only be sold to Unilever UK employees and their guests, or to those attending private functions by invitation.

This restriction was a key condition proposed by the applicant, Sodexo Ltd, to address concerns raised by a local resident regarding potential congestion and increased noise. The applicant's agent highlighted that the proposed licence mirrored the existing licence at Unilever's previous premises, with over 20 years of operation resulting in zero complaints. The committee also discussed mitigations for staff and guests leaving the building after consuming alcohol, with assurances of 24-hour security and multiple exits. The conditions were deemed appropriate for promoting the licensing objectives.

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

New Mayor Elected as Council Reviews Representation and Appointments

Kingston upon Thames Council held its Annual Council meeting on Thursday, 21 May 2026, marking a significant transition with the election of a new Mayor and a review of how political groups are represented on council bodies. The meeting also saw appointments made to various committees and a vote of thanks for the outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Link to the Council meeting

Councillor Tai Tylen Installed as New Mayor

Councillor Tai Tylen was elected and installed as the new Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames for the 2026-2027 municipal year. Councillor Tylen, who arrived in the UK from Sri Lanka in 1970, has a long history of community service in Kingston upon Thames. He co-founded the Surrey Seamers Cricket Club and the ITC Kingston Tamil School, and has served as a Councillor for Tolworth Ward since 2014. Councillor Jane Lim was appointed as Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Tylen, in his acceptance speech, expressed his gratitude and commitment to serving all residents with fairness, dignity, and respect. He highlighted his intention to promote community cohesion and support local charities and vulnerable residents.

Ensuring Fair Representation on Council Committees

A key decision made during the meeting was the unanimous agreement to review the proportionality of political parties on council bodies. Councillor James Giles, Leader of the Opposition, proposed that each of the two opposition groups should have one seat on each of the Council's three strategic committees. This move, while a deviation from strict legal proportionality, aims to enhance scrutiny and reflect a more inclusive democratic process.

Councillor Rowena Bass, Leader of the Minority Opposition Group, seconded the proposal, emphasizing that having two opposition members on committees would foster better debate and reduce intimidation. Councillor Andreas Kirsch, Leader of the Council, confirmed the administration's support for this approach, acknowledging the importance of representation for all parties. This decision ensures that a wider range of voices will be heard when major policy decisions are made, potentially leading to more robust and considered outcomes.

Appointments Made to Various Council Bodies

The Council also confirmed appointments to a range of committees, panels, and other bodies for the 2026/27 municipal year. This included appointments to the Kingston Partnership Board, the Health Overview Panel, and various London Councils and Local Government Association committees. Non-elected members were also appointed to specific committees and panels, ensuring a diverse range of expertise is available to the council.

Vote of Thanks for Retiring Mayor and Deputy Mayor

A vote of thanks was approved for the retiring Mayor, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, and the retiring Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sue Ansari, for their service during the past municipal year. Councillor Griseldis Kirsch, who proposed the vote of thanks, highlighted Councillor Hadjimichael's dedication, humanity, and commitment to community resilience. Councillor Mike Massimi seconded the motion, praising Councillor Hadjimichael's authenticity and warmth. Councillor Giles also commended Councillor Hadjimichael's outstanding service, noting his deep understanding of public service.

Councillor Hadjimichael, in his response, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and acknowledged the contributions of his family, colleagues, and the wider community. He reflected on his year as Mayor, emphasizing the importance of community and service.

Licensing Committee Finalises Sub-Committee Arrangements

The Licensing Committee met briefly following the main Council meeting to establish its sub-committees for the new municipal year. The committee confirmed the usual arrangements for the formation and sharing of licensing sub-committees, a process crucial for the timely handling of licensing applications. Link to the Licensing Committee meeting

Volunteers were sought for an upcoming licensing sub-committee meeting on Tuesday, 26 May. This ensures that the council can continue to process applications efficiently, balancing the needs of businesses with the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. All volunteers confirmed they had undertaken the necessary licensing training, a requirement to ensure informed decision-making.

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Late-Night Licences for Billi Boom Boom and The Albert Arms Under Scrutiny

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, to consider applications for new and varied premises licences that could impact the evening economy and residents' peace. The committee reviewed proposals for Billi Boom Boom in New Malden and The Albert Arms on Kingston Hill, with decisions hinging on balancing business needs with preventing public nuisance and crime. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

New Licence for Billi Boom Boom: Concerns Over Public Nuisance

An application for a new premises licence for Billi Boom Boom, located at 181 High Street, New Malden, KT3 4BH, sought permission to sell alcohol daily between 11:00 and 23:00. While the applicant had addressed initial concerns from Trading Standards, one resident raised objections regarding the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance. The committee had the power to grant the licence as is, with conditions, exclude certain activities, or reject it entirely. The proposed operating schedule included measures for CCTV, staff training, and age verification, aiming to mitigate potential issues.

The Albert Arms Seeks Extended Terrace Hours: Noise Concerns Raised

The committee also considered a request to vary the licence for The Albert Arms, at 57 Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7PX. The application proposed extending the use of the Middle Terrace and Lower Terrace from 21:00 to 22:00 daily. While no objections were received from official bodies, three residents submitted valid representations. One objector specifically raised concerns about potential noise pollution and its impact on their well-being, particularly during warmer months. The committee weighed these concerns against the applicant's request, with options to grant, modify, or refuse the variation.

Sex Establishment Licence Renewal for Stir 777: Resident Objection and Door Supervisor Numbers

The Licensing Sub-Committee also convened on Thursday, 23 April 2026, to consider the renewal of a sex establishment licence for Stir 777, located at 48 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1HN. A key point of discussion was the applicant's request to reduce the number of required door supervisors from four to three, a change reportedly agreed with the Metropolitan Police. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

The premises currently operates as a sexual entertainment venue between 22:00 and 03:00 from Monday to Thursday, and 22:00 to 05:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The application was considered under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, as amended by the Policing and Crime Act 2009. While no objections were received from statutory authorities, one resident lodged a valid objection. The committee had to consider whether granting the renewal would be inappropriate given the locality, nearby premises, or the condition of Stir 777 itself. The decision could impact the character of the area and the safety of those working at and visiting the venue.

Other Matters

• The South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee met on Thursday, 23 April 2026. While no specific details of discussions or decisions are available at this time, such committees typically oversee waste management strategies and services across participating boroughs, impacting local environmental policies and resident services. Link to the South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee meeting
• A Licensing Sub-Committee meeting was also scheduled for Thursday, 23 April 2026, but no summary or transcript is available. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting