The Planning Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council is scheduled to consider two significant planning applications at its upcoming meeting. These applications involve proposals for a large-scale residential development in Tolworth and the demolition and redevelopment of a former hospital wing in Kingston upon Thames for residential use.

Signal Park Development, Tolworth

A hybrid planning application for the Signal Park development at 1 Hook Rise South, Tolworth, KT6 7NA, is scheduled for discussion. This application seeks detailed planning permission for 336 residential units and commercial/retail spaces in four blocks, some up to 16 storeys high. It also includes an outline application for a further mixed-use development of up to 629 residential units and community space, with buildings potentially reaching 96.3m (AOD). The proposal is accompanied by an Environmental Statement.

The report pack indicates that the application seeks to grant planning permission, subject to referral to the Mayor of London and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement. This development aims to optimise a 4.4-hectare brownfield site within the Kingston Opportunity Area, delivering a net increase of 226 residential units compared to a previous permission. The scheme proposes 204 affordable homes (22% by habitable room), a reduction from the council's target, justified by a viability assessment. It also includes commercial and community space, significant biodiversity net gain (70.46%), and a car-lite approach with reduced parking provision. Key considerations for the committee include housing delivery, affordable housing quantum, character and appearance, residential amenity impacts (particularly daylight and sunlight to Signal Park Phase 1), highways, biodiversity, and sustainability.

Regent Wing Redevelopment, Kingston Hospital

The committee will also consider a full planning application for the Regent Wing at Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7QB. This application proposes the demolition of the former Regent Wing and the erection of three new buildings containing 150 residential apartments (Use Class C3). The development would include communal amenity spaces, landscaping, blue-badge parking, cycle parking, play space, and improvements to site access from Coombe Road.

The report pack recommends approving this application, subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement. The proposal is described as a car-free development, with the exception of five blue-badge parking spaces. It aims for a BREEAM rating of 'Outstanding' and incorporates a high Urban Greening Factor (0.5) and Biodiversity Net Gain (13%). The development would involve the loss of the Regent Wing building, which is noted as a non-designated heritage asset with limited significance, and its demolition is considered acceptable given the site's redevelopment potential and the hospital trust's need to expand its estate. The proposed housing mix includes 16.7% three-bedroom units, which falls short of the council's 30% target, a point noted as a disadvantage. The application includes a payment of £2,250,000 in lieu of on-site affordable housing provision, with a late-stage review mechanism to be removed in exchange for this upfront payment.

Both applications are scheduled for discussion at a special meeting of the Planning Committee. The meeting's information status is marked as POSTPONED, indicating that these are future discussions and no decisions have yet been made.