The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee met on Tuesday 9 June 2026, appointing Councillor Tom Reeve as Chair and Councillor Ian Manders as Vice-Chair. The committee also decided to uphold objections to proposed double yellow lines on Villiers Avenue and agreed to maintain current Councillor Ward Funding arrangements for the upcoming municipal year.

Double Yellow Lines on Villiers Avenue Objections to Traffic Management Order

The committee considered objections to a Traffic Management Order (TMO) that proposed converting single yellow lines to double yellow lines near Nos. 36-38 Villiers Avenue. Despite receiving five objections from residents, who cited concerns about the loss of essential parking for families with young children and elderly individuals with mobility issues, the committee decided to uphold these objections. The decision was made to implement the double yellow lines, with respondents to be informed of the committee's decision. A review of the situation will be conducted by officers after 12 months, with a report to be brought back to the committee.

Councillor Ward Funding Arrangements 2026/27

The committee resolved to maintain its current working arrangements for the allocation of Councillor Ward Funding for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. This means that the existing system, where Councillor Ward Funding is allocated by individual councillors, will continue. This approach allows for quicker allocations as councillors do not need to wait for a committee meeting to approve funding requests, and enables support for groups throughout the year, including during summer months when committee meetings are not scheduled.

Neighbourhood Working Arrangements 2026-30

The committee decided against establishing a dedicated Planning Sub-Committee, opting instead to continue discussing planning applications alongside other neighbourhood business. Furthermore, a 'guillotine'¹ to automatically end meetings at a set time will not be applied. This decision allows for flexibility in meeting durations, ensuring that all necessary business can be addressed.

Planning Application at Perak Court, Elmbridge Avenue

The committee considered a full planning application for the erection of a fourth-floor extension at Perak Court, Elmbridge Avenue, Surbiton, KT5 9EU, to create four new residential flats. The proposal also included the installation of solar panels, a low-pit lift, associated landscaping, and parking. The application was referred to the committee due to more than five objections being received.

The report presented to the committee highlighted that the Council currently has a significant deficit in its five-year housing land supply, meaning the presumption in favour of sustainable development applies. The proposal was considered to make effective use of land by utilising airspace above an existing building, a principle supported by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The design of the proposed extension was described as sympathetic to the existing building and would improve its aesthetic appearance, including the removal of visual clutter from the roof.

While the proposal would result in the creation of four new homes, including larger family-sized flats, and would provide five designated car parking spaces and improved cycle storage, concerns were raised by objectors regarding parking issues, loss of light, noise and disruption during construction, and the impact on communal spaces. The report noted that the proposed development would not materially impact neighbouring properties in terms of overlooking or overshadowing, and that construction disruption would be controlled by conditions. The committee resolved to approve the application, subject to conditions, and delegated authority to the Director of Planning and Regeneration to finalise these conditions.