The New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee met on Wednesday 10 June 2026, appointing Councillor Mark Durrant as Chair and Councillor Elizabeth Park as Vice-Chair for the upcoming municipal year. The committee also approved the implementation of double yellow lines at the junction of South Lane with Glebes Garden and Bodley Road, and decided to refuse a community grant application from Good Leaders K Culture while deferring a decision on funding for Disability Challengers - Kingston Youthscheme. Furthermore, the committee agreed to disestablish Planning Sub-Committees for the 2026-30 municipal term and to continue with existing Councillor Ward Funding arrangements.

Double Yellow Lines Approved for South Lane Junction

The committee approved the implementation of double yellow lines at the junction of South Lane with Glebes Garden and Bodley Road, despite objections from local residents. The objections, detailed in the Public reports pack, raised concerns that the restrictions would merely displace parking issues to Glebe Gardens and Bodley Road, potentially causing congestion and blocking access for emergency vehicles. One resident from Bodley Road highlighted significant parking problems, including cars being left for extended periods by commuters and issues with families from South Lane parking multiple vehicles.

Officers acknowledged these concerns but stated that the primary objective of the double yellow lines was to ensure road safety and prevent obstructive parking at the critical junction. They emphasised the council's statutory duty to manage the highway network for safe and expeditious traffic movement, noting that junction safety and emergency access could not be compromised. While displacement of parking is a recognised side-effect, the proposed restrictions were deemed a vital road-safety intervention. The decision to implement the double yellow lines was made, and objectors were informed.

Community Grant Applications Considered

The committee considered two applications for Neighbourhood Community Grants (NCGs). An application for £3,000 from Disability Challengers - Kingston Youthscheme was deferred to allow for further information to be sought. This organisation aims to provide play and social opportunities for disabled children and young people aged 2-18 in New and Old Malden.

However, the application for £2,500 from Good Leaders K Culture was refused. This group sought funding for a dance project promoting Korean traditional arts and culture, including community workshops and a performance. The report indicated that the organisation met minimum standards, but the committee decided against awarding the grant.

Neighbourhood Working Arrangements for 2026-2030

The committee resolved to disestablish Planning Sub-Committees for the 2026-30 municipal term. This decision means that planning matters will be considered directly by the main Neighbourhood Committee. Additionally, a guillotine of 22:00 was agreed to be applied to all meetings of the committee, meaning debates will conclude at this time, with any remaining business deferred to the next meeting. The committee also recommended that the Place Committee review the Vehicle Crossover Policy and drop curb arrangements to empower neighbourhoods to adjudicate appeals previously handled by Neighbourhood Committees.

Councillor Ward Funding Arrangements 2026-27

The committee agreed to continue with the existing funding allocations for the Municipal Year 2026/27. This arrangement permits individual councillors to allocate up to £2,000 of Councillor Ward Funding. This approach, as detailed in the Public reports pack, allows for quick decision-making and supports groups throughout the year, including during periods when committee meetings are not scheduled.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair

Councillor Mark Durrant was appointed Chair of the Committee for the Municipal Year 2026/27, and Councillor Elizabeth Park was appointed Vice-Chair. This appointment covers the period until the first ordinary meeting of the Municipal Year 2027/28.