The Place Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Tuesday 24 June 2025, discussing a range of important local issues. Key decisions included the approval of a £7.2 million programme to retrofit council buildings for energy efficiency, the establishment of habitat banks to enhance local biodiversity, and the awarding of a new 15-year leisure management contract valued at £120 million. The committee also noted a motion opposing a third runway at Heathrow Airport and approved plans for the redevelopment of the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station.

Parking Charges in North Kingston

A public question was raised by Ms. Charlotte Salaman regarding the significant increase in pay and display parking charges in the North Kingston Residential Street CPZ (Controlled Parking Zone) 26526, from £1.10 to £3.40 per hour, a rise of over 200%. Ms. Salaman, who runs The Wicham Public House, argued that these charges were discriminatory, implemented without consultation, and unfairly penalised local businesses, particularly hospitality venues, and their customers, including the elderly and those with health issues. She stated that the increased costs could be detrimental to small businesses, which are the lifeblood of Kingston.

Councillor Nicola Nardelli, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Transport and Waste and Recycling, responded by explaining that parking fees contribute to highway maintenance costs, including road and footpath upkeep, and safety initiatives. She noted that the council has a significant liability of £6.2 million for concessionary travel for older people. Councillor Nardelli also highlighted that parking charges are banded based on demand and availability of alternative transport, and that charges in neighbouring Richmond upon Thames are higher at £4.10 per hour, with the borough average being £2.80. She clarified that evening and Sunday trading would not be affected by the changes, and that resident permits and car park charges had only increased by inflation.

Ms. Salaman expressed her astonishment at the response, questioning the inconsistency of charges, particularly when compared to other areas like Maple Road. Councillor Nardelli reiterated that the council does not penalise people based on their perceived wealth and explained that CPZ B is a large area, and changes to its banding structure would require extensive consultation.

Proposed Footbridge over the River Thames

The committee considered a petition, signed by 907 residents, proposing the construction of a footbridge across the River Thames from Surbiton to Bushy Park. Mr. Sanjeev Baisy, the petition organiser and a resident of Surbiton, presented the proposal, highlighting the inconvenience of current routes to Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace, which often involve long detours via Kingston Bridge or Hampton Court Bridge. He argued that a footbridge would bring economic benefits to Surbiton by increasing footfall to local businesses, improve quality of life, and enhance accessibility to green spaces for families and young professionals. Mr. Baisy suggested a feasibility study to assess costs against benefits, estimating the bridge could cost between £3 to £6 million.

Councillor Nardelli acknowledged the idea as lovely but noted the practical challenges, including the river's navigability, land ownership issues on both sides, and the significant height required for a bridge. She suggested exploring the feasibility of a ferry service as a potential alternative. Councillor Roger Hayes, who had heard the proposal multiple times over his council career, stated that previous feasibility studies had deemed the project utterly and completely infeasible due to the engineering challenges of spanning a navigable river, land ownership issues with Historic Royal Palaces, and the prohibitive cost, estimated to be £10-20 million. Councillor Andrew Bolton echoed these concerns about funding, questioning where such a sum could be sourced. Councillor Ian George suggested investigating potential funding from Transport for London (TfL), the Mayor of London, or government offices. Councillor Kamala Kugan advocated for exploring lottery funding and launching a public campaign. Councillor Mark Durrant suggested investigating the feasibility of a ferry service similar to the Hammertons Ferry service between Ham and Twickenham.

Ultimately, the committee resolved to note the petition.

Motion Referred to Committee by Council: Third Runway at Heathrow

The committee debated a motion, originally proposed by Councillor Kamala Kugan and seconded by Councillor Yvonne Tracey, which expressed regret over the government's position on airport expansion in the South East and reasserted the council's strong objections to a third runway at Heathrow Airport. The motion also called for the council to work with residents, other London Boroughs, the GLA, and the Mayor of London to campaign against the expansion.

Councillor Kugan highlighted concerns about increased air pollution, with recent statistics showing toxic air killing 500 people a week and nearly 7.5 million people on NHS waiting lists for respiratory treatment. She argued that the promise of jobs should not come at the expense of public health and advocated for a triple bottom line approach evaluating success by people, planet, and profits.

Councillor Andreas Kirsch, Leader of the Council, stated that the administration was out of the question in opposing the third runway, referencing the council's long-standing opposition and its membership in the No Third Runway Coalition. He confirmed that the council had actively campaigned against the expansion since the government announced its intentions, working with the Mayor of London and the GLA. Councillor Kirsch noted that the motion was therefore redundant as the council was already taking the suggested actions.

The committee resolved to note the motion.

Habitat Banks

The committee considered a report on establishing habitat banks on council-owned nature reserve land. Deborah Dibb, Director for Climate, Environment and Registrations, explained that new legislation requires developers to achieve a 10% improvement in biodiversity net gain (BNG) on their development sites. If this cannot be achieved on-site, developers can purchase biodiversity credits from off-site registered sites. The proposal was to establish local habitat banks to allow developers to purchase these credits within the borough, reinvesting funds into local nature reserves and green spaces.

Councillor Roger Hayes, who seconded the recommendation, stressed that habitat banks should be a fallback position and that developers should prioritise on-site BNG. He also highlighted the potential of the Seething Wells filter beds as a suitable site for biodiversity enhancement. Councillor Andrew Bolton inquired about other local authorities undertaking similar initiatives and any feedback received. Councillor James Manthel suggested exploring opportunities along the riverfront for renaturalising concrete riverbanks. Councillor Nicola Nardelli raised questions about seasonal audits and the potential for developer sabotage. Councillor Ian George sought clarification on how the council's planning duty to maximise land use would be balanced with BNG requirements.

The committee resolved to progress with the investigation and setting up of habitat banks on council-owned land.

'Retrofit Accelerator - Workplaces' Programme

The committee was asked to approve the implementation of energy conservation measures at council buildings through the 'Retrofit Accelerator - Workplaces' programme, managed by Cenergist. Councillor Ian Manders, Portfolio Holder for Climate Action, Biodiversity and Planning Policy, explained that the council has a target of reaching net-zero carbon for its own operations by 2030, with a significant portion of emissions coming from building energy use. The programme aims to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy generation, with an allocated budget of £7,198,389 (ex VAT).

Councillor Andreas Kirsch questioned the timeline for draft-proofing measures at Chessington Sports Centre, suggesting that installing solar panels before addressing draughts seemed counterproductive. Councillor Roger Hayes noted the large number of solar panels being installed in the upcoming year, inferring a significant contract for their installation. The committee resolved to approve the delivery of works identified in Annex 1 through the call-off contract with Cenergist and delegated authority to the Executive Director Place to approve modifications to works or sites within the allocated budget.

Household Reuse and Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station Redevelopment

The committee considered plans for the redevelopment of the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC) and Waste Transfer Station (WTS) at Villiers Road. Chris Jones, Director Property and Projects, explained that the current facilities, dating back to the 1980s, require significant investment to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with future regulations. The revised design, which addresses accessibility concerns raised by members, will include features such as pedestrian and cycle access, raised flat-level access for waste disposal, and enhanced health and safety measures. The estimated budget for the project has increased to £13.5 million, including inflation and a 20% contingency.

Councillor Ian George expressed uncertainty about the planning law aspects and the balance between maximising land use and BNG requirements. He also questioned the report's clarity on replacing lost grassland with new grassland units. The committee resolved to approve the progression of the RIBA Stage 2 design to RIBA Stage 4, delegated authority for finalising the procurement strategy, and approved the submission of a planning application.

Leisure Management Operator Services Contract - Contract Award

The committee was asked to approve the award of a new 15-year leisure management operator services contract, with a maximum value of £120 million, to a preferred bidder identified in an exempt annex. Councillor Alison Holt, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Economic Development, highlighted that the new contract replaces an outdated one from 2006 and will incorporate three existing leisure sites, two new sites (Albany Outdoors and Chessington Sports Centre), and the future Kingston Leisure Centre. Key improvements include enhanced concessionary pricing, commitment to the London Living Wage for all staff, ongoing investment in facilities, carbon footprint reduction, and social value commitments.

Councillor Kamala Kugan raised concerns about the clarity of the contract's financial projections, the consistency of income and expenditure periods, and the assumptions made regarding the opening of the new Kingston Leisure Centre. She questioned whether there would be a reduction in service charges if the new leisure centre faced delays and sought assurance on the integration of IT systems and the council's track record as a principal operator. Councillor George specifically asked about the cost of swimming lessons for children in schools and whether time would be guaranteed for this provision.

The committee resolved to award the contract for the provision of Leisure Management Operator Services to the preferred bidder for an initial period of 10 years, with an option to extend for a further 5 years, at a maximum contract value of £120 million. Councillor Kugan voted against the recommendation.