The Planning Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council was scheduled to discuss two significant planning applications. The first application concerned a hybrid planning application for the Signal Park development in Tolworth, proposing a substantial increase in residential units and mixed-use development. The second application involved the demolition of the former Regent Wing at Kingston Hospital to make way for 150 new residential apartments.

Signal Park Development, Tolworth

The committee was scheduled to consider a hybrid planning application for the Signal Park development at 1 Hook Rise South, Tolworth¹. This application proposed a detailed plan for 336 residential units and commercial/retail spaces, alongside an outline application for up to 629 additional residential units, community space, and new public realm. The proposal aimed to significantly increase housing delivery, offering a net uplift of 226 additional units compared to a previous permission². The report highlighted a commitment to sustainability, including a projected 66% carbon reduction and a 70.46% biodiversity net gain³. A key aspect of the discussion was the provision of affordable housing, with the application proposing 204 affordable homes, representing 22% by habitable room⁴. The report also detailed considerations regarding housing mix, with a noted deficit in three-bedroom units compared to local standards, and the quality of accommodation, including internal space standards and private amenity provision⁵. Concerns regarding daylight and sunlight impacts on existing properties within Signal Park Phase 1 were also scheduled for discussion⁶. The proposal adopted a 'car-lite' approach, with a parking ratio of 0.25 spaces per unit, supported by extensive cycle parking⁷. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to a referral to the Mayor of London and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement⁸.

Regent Wing Redevelopment, Kingston Hospital

The committee was also scheduled to consider a full planning application for the redevelopment of the former Regent Wing at Kingston Hospital on Galsworthy Road⁹. This application proposed the demolition of the existing building and the erection of three new buildings comprising 150 residential apartments (Use Class C3). The development would include communal amenity spaces, landscaping, blue-badge car parking, cycle parking, play space, and improvements to site access from Coombe Road¹⁰. The proposal aimed for a highly sustainable timber construction, targeting a BREEAM rating of 'Outstanding' and a Biodiversity Net Gain of 13%¹¹. A significant aspect of this application was the proposed 'car-free' development, with the exception of five blue-badge parking spaces, and the provision of 263 cycle parking spaces¹². The report addressed the loss of the Regent Wing building, noting it was no longer considered a needed healthcare facility by Kingston Hospital NHS Trust and was unsuitable for refurbishment¹³. The application proposed a payment in lieu of on-site affordable housing, amounting to £2,250,000, to be paid in instalments¹⁴. The design was described as three octagonal-form pavilion buildings, each six storeys in height, with a material palette referencing local historical buildings¹⁵. The report also detailed considerations regarding impact on neighbouring residential amenity, including daylight, sunlight, and privacy, as well as fire safety and transport infrastructure¹⁶. The recommendation was to approve the application, subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement¹⁷.