The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee met on Thursday 11 June 2026, approving new parking restrictions in Elmcroft Drive, Compton Crescent, and Knollmead Avenue, and awarding a £3,000 community grant to New Era Community Projects CIC. The committee also agreed to continue with existing arrangements for Councillor Ward Funding and decided not to establish a Planning Sub-Committee, opting instead to apply a 'guillotine' at 10:30 pm to all future meetings.

Objections to Double Yellow Lines and Parking Restrictions

The committee considered objections to proposed waiting and parking restrictions at several locations.

• Elmcroft Drive: Double yellow lines were approved for the bend of Elmcroft Drive to improve road safety and visibility, despite some residents arguing that the problem was elsewhere on the road. The decision was made on safety grounds, with the committee resolving to set aside the objections received.
• Compton Crescent: Double yellow lines were approved for proposed locations along Compton Crescent. The decision was made to set aside objections, with the committee prioritising safety over concerns about the loss of parking spaces. Councillor Andreas Kirsch declared an interest as a resident of Compton Crescent and abstained from the vote. Councillor Helen Grocott highlighted that emergency services had previously experienced access issues due to parking on Compton Crescent.
• Marston Avenue: This item was deferred to the next meeting due to an error in the advertised consultation period.
• Knollmead Avenue: The committee approved the implementation of double yellow lines and school 'keep clear' markings in Knollmead Avenue. An amendment was made to the original proposal, removing the double yellow lines on one side of the road and replacing them with single yellow lines applicable only during school drop-off and collection times (8:30 am to 9:30 am and 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm). Two 'no idling' signs will also be erected, and parking restrictions will apply to only one side of the road. This amended decision was made after considering resident feedback, including concerns about the loss of parking and the need for a more proportionate solution.

Community Grant Application

The committee approved a Neighbourhood Community Grant of £3,000 for New Era Community Projects CIC to support their Reach for the Sky project. This project aims to provide inclusive physical activity and well-being sessions for young carers aged 5-12 and their families in the south of the borough. The funding will contribute to hall hire, activity staff, equipment, refreshments, and volunteer support. The project was praised for addressing a gap in provision for young carers in the south of the borough and for its alignment with the council's 'Fairer' and 'Together' strategic priorities.

Neighbourhood Working Arrangements

The committee resolved not to establish a Planning Sub-Committee for the 2026-2030 municipal term, agreeing that planning matters could be handled within the main committee meetings. They also agreed to apply a 'guillotine' to meetings, meaning debates will automatically end at 10:30 pm, with any remaining business deferred to the next meeting, unless the committee resolves to extend the meeting.

Councillor Ward Funding

The committee agreed to continue with the existing arrangements for Councillor Ward Funding (CWF) for the 2026/27 municipal year. This means that each councillor will continue to individually allocate up to £2,000 of CWF to local projects within their ward.

Other Matters

The meeting also included a report from the Neighbourhood Manager, Richard Dean, who is retiring. Councillors and residents expressed their gratitude for his service. The committee also noted the work programme and received thanks from the CDRA (Chessington District Residents Association) for Mr. Dean's support.

During the public questions session, residents raised concerns about the implementation of an Article 4 Direction for HMOs, the condition of Church Fields and anti-social behaviour, and the adequacy of the council's enforcement team, particularly regarding issues in Green Lane. There were also extensive discussions regarding Transport for London (TfL) related matters, including parking surveys on Hook Rise South, the reduction of speed limits on A3 service roads, and the ongoing impact of a serious incident on the A3 that caused structural damage to safety barriers, leading to lane closures and significant traffic disruption. Residents expressed frustration with the duration of the lane closures and questioned the effectiveness and necessity of the current traffic management measures.