The Place Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Thursday 8 February 2024 to discuss the council's medium-term financial strategy and budget for 2024-2028, alongside key planning and regeneration matters. The committee recommended the proposed general fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budgets to the Corporate and Resources Committee, approved the confirmation of an Article 4 Direction concerning North Lodge and South Lodge, and endorsed the Local Development Scheme for the preparation of the Borough's Local Plan. Additionally, the committee granted delegated authority for acquisitions and shared equity leases related to the Cambridge Road Estate regeneration.

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024-2028 & Detailed Budget 2024/25

The committee considered the proposed budget for 2024/25 to 2027/28, which will inform recommendations to the Corporate and Resources Committee and ultimately to the Council for formal decisions on the budget and Council Tax level for 2024/25. The committee was asked to review budgetary growth and reductions across various service areas, including Community Housing, Property, Culture, Communities & Engagement, Strategic Planning & Infrastructure, and the Shared Environment Service.

Key decisions made included:

• Recommendation of General Fund Proposals: The committee recommended the general fund proposals for Property, Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, Employment, Skills & Enterprise, Place Making, Major Contracts, Culture, Community Housing, Communities and Engagement, and the Shared Environment Service to the Corporate and Resources Committee.
• Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget Proposals: The committee recommended the HRA 2024/25 base budget and proposals for growth and savings. They agreed to a 7.7% average social rent increase, in line with Government policy. Tenant service charges for designated sheltered accommodation will increase by a maximum of £3 per week, subject to consultation. Service charges for estates will vary by block, also subject to consultation and capping. Rents for HRA hostels, affordable rented, and shared ownership properties will increase by 7.7%, as will rents for non-dwellings and other non-Housing dwellings. The committee also recommended the indicative HRA revenue budgets for 2024/25 to 2027/28 and the full HRA Capital Programme.

The voting on these recommendations was unanimous.

Confirmation of Article 4 Direction: North Lodge and South Lodge

The committee received a report on the representations received following a public consultation regarding an immediate Article 4(1) Direction at North Lodge and South Lodge, located at Kingsnympton Park, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7TF. This direction aims to remove nationally permitted development rights for the demolition of buildings on these sites.

The committee noted the representations received, which indicated that 57% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the Article 4 Direction should be made permanent, while 38% disagreed or strongly disagreed. Key issues raised in support included the heritage significance, local character, and townscape contribution of the buildings. Objections primarily focused on development opportunities and the current building condition and landscaping.

The committee resolved to:

• Note the representations received through the public consultation.
• Approve the confirmation of the Article 4 Direction.

This decision was unanimous and is not eligible for call-in as it is of a regulatory nature. The Article 4 Direction removes the ability to demolish buildings on the sites without planning permission, protecting these locally listed buildings which are considered important to the area's character.

Local Development Scheme for the Local Plan

The committee considered a report on the proposed Local Development Scheme (LDS), which outlines the work programme for preparing the Borough's Local Plan. The Local Plan will set out the development strategy for the Borough from 2019 to 2041 and will include strategic and non-strategic policies, as well as site allocations.

The committee approved the Local Development Scheme, which includes an indicative timetable for the Local Plan's production. Key milestones include the Local Plan Publication Version (Regulation 19) in Q4 2024, submission to the Secretary of State in Q1 2025, Examination in Public in Q3 2025, the Inspector's Report in Q1 2026, and adoption in Q2 2026. The LDS covers the period from January 2024 to December 2026.

The decision to approve the LDS was unanimous.

Cambridge Road Estate (CRE) - On-Site Shared Equity / Ownership Update

The committee received an update on the Cambridge Road Estate (CRE) regeneration programme and sought approval for the delegation of authority for certain acquisitions and the granting of shared equity/ownership leases. The report highlighted the ongoing obligation to obtain vacant possession for the regeneration to proceed.

The committee resolved to delegate authority, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to:

• Acquire leaseholder/freeholder interests in properties within Phase 3 of the CRE regeneration programme.
• Acquire interests in off-site properties for the purpose of granting shared equity leases to qualifying leaseholders/freeholders in Phase 3 who opt to move off the Estate.
• Acquire properties in Phases 4 and 5 where resident leaseholders/freeholders wish to move into a shared equity/ownership property in an earlier phase.
• Acquire homes from the Cambridge Road (RBK) LLP designated for shared equity/ownership and dispose of them to eligible purchasers via a shared equity/ownership lease.
• Grant shared equity leases of CRE-related on-site and off-site shared equity/ownership properties to qualifying leaseholders/freeholders, with specific financial value thresholds determining the delegated authority for the Chief Executive, Section 151 Officer, Directors, and Director of Development-CRE.

The vote on these recommendations was 11 in favour, with Councillor Yvonne Tracey abstaining. The regeneration aims to deliver new homes, green spaces, and improved community facilities. The delegated authority will help maintain the vacant possession strategy and facilitate resident participation in the regeneration.