The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee approved £6,200 in community grants for three local organisations: Man & Boy, Kingston Tamil Heritage Group, and Surbiton Club for the Blind. The committee also granted planning permission for a new four-bedroom self-build dwelling on land to the rear of 21-23 The Ridge, subject to conditions.

Community Grants Programme

The committee approved a £3,000 Neighbourhood Community Grant for Man & Boy to support their Stronger Families Surbiton project, which aims to provide focused support to six referred beneficiaries from Surbiton wards facing multiple barriers. An additional £1,000 from Councillor Ward Funding (CWF) was allocated to fully fund the requested amount, as the Neighbourhood Community Grant pot had only £2,000 remaining.

An allocation of £1,100 of CWF was approved for the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group to support their Heritage and Harvest Festival on 25 January 2026. This festival aims to celebrate Tamil culture and heritage, bringing together local communities.

The committee also approved an allocation of £1,200 of CWF for the Surbiton Club for the Blind to help fund their annual Christmas lunch. This event is a highlight for the club's members and volunteer helpers.

Planning Applications

Land To The Rear Of 21-23 The Ridge, Surbiton, KT5 8HU

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of an existing outbuilding and garage block, and the erection of a part single-storey, part two-storey, four-bedroom self-build dwelling. The decision was made subject to conditions, including those related to construction management, landscaping, biodiversity enhancements, and fire safety. The proposal was considered to be a positive contribution to the borough's housing supply and to have an acceptable standard of accommodation and design, while mitigating impacts on neighbouring amenities and highway safety.

Concerns were raised by objectors regarding the development's scale, character, impact on residential amenity, and highway access. However, the planning officer's report and the applicant's agent addressed these points, highlighting compliance with relevant policies and the provision of mitigation measures. The committee voted to approve the application with eight votes in favour, one against, and two abstentions.

Willow Grange, 1-3 Adelaide Road, Surbiton, KT6 4TA

This planning application, for a change of use from a care home to a large House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for vulnerable individuals, was withdrawn from the agenda. This was due to no registered objectors having registered a speaking slot by the deadline. The application will now be determined by the Director of Planning and Regeneration under delegated powers.

Berrylands Area Healthy Streets Scheme

The committee received an information item regarding the Berrylands Area Healthy Streets Scheme. The Director of Highways, Transport and Regulatory Services had made a decision on 5 September 2025 regarding objections to the Traffic Management Order (TMO). The decision included proceeding with some measures, modifying others, and upholding objections to the removal of parking spaces on Hollyfield Road, with an alternative proposal to be prepared. Councillor Ian Manders expressed disappointment regarding the Hollyfield Road decision and inquired about other measures, such as those on Raeburn Avenue, which were confirmed to have proceeded due to no objections.

Work Programme

The committee noted its Work Programme for future meetings.