The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee met on Thursday 11 June 2026, approving new neighbourhood working arrangements and continuing with existing Councillor Ward Funding allocations. The committee also approved a £3,000 community grant for New Era Community Projects CIC's Reach for the Sky initiative.

Neighbourhood Working Arrangements and Councillor Ward Funding

The committee agreed to not establish a Planning Sub-Committee for the 2026-30 municipal term, opting instead to handle planning matters within the main committee meetings. A guillotine of 22:30 was set for all future meetings, with the ability for the committee to waive this deadline if necessary. This decision aims to focus debate and reduce inconvenience for attendees.

Regarding Councillor Ward Funding (CWF), the committee resolved to continue with the existing arrangements for the 2026/27 municipal year. This means each councillor will continue to individually allocate up to £2,000 of CWF to local causes within their ward. This approach was favoured for its speed and flexibility in responding to local needs.

Community Grant for Reach for the Sky Project

A Neighbourhood Community Grant of £3,000 was approved for New Era Community Projects CIC to support their Reach for the Sky project. This initiative aims to provide inclusive physical activity and wellbeing sessions for young carers aged 5-12 and their families in the south of the borough. The project, developed in partnership with Kingston Young Carers, will offer activities focused on enjoyment, confidence-building, and emotional wellbeing, addressing a gap in accessible local provision. Justine, representing New Era Community Projects CIC, explained that the funding would enable them to bring in professional facilitators for six sessions across school holidays and half-terms, reaching an estimated 150-210 participants.

Traffic Management Orders and Parking Restrictions

The committee considered objections to several proposed traffic management orders and parking restrictions.

• Elmcroft Drive: Double yellow lines were approved for the bend on Elmcroft Drive to improve road safety and visibility, despite some resident objections citing a lack of demonstrated need and potential impact on parking. The committee decided to set aside these objections, prioritising safety concerns.
• Bridge Road junction with Leatherhead Road: This item was deferred to the next meeting due to issues with the proposed length of the restrictions and a need for clarification on the exact problem.
• Compton Crescent: Double yellow lines were approved for proposed locations along Compton Crescent. While residents raised concerns about the loss of parking and potential displacement of vehicles, the committee resolved to set aside these objections, emphasising the importance of safety at the junction. Councillor Andreas Kirsch declared an interest as a resident of Compton Crescent and abstained from voting on this item.
• Marston Avenue: The proposal for Marston Avenue was withdrawn due to an error in the consultation period. A new report will be brought forward in September.
• Knollmead: An amended proposal for Knollmead was approved, introducing single yellow lines on one side of the road, school keep clear markings during specific hours (8:30-9:30 and 14:30-15:30), and two no idling signs. This revised plan addresses concerns about parking, access for emergency services, and the needs of the school and community centre users, moving away from the initial proposal of 24-hour double yellow lines.

Public Questions and Transport for London (TfL) Update

During the public question time, residents raised concerns about the implementation of Article 4 Directions for HMOs, the condition of Churchfields recreation ground, and the adequacy of the council's enforcement team. Councillor Cash provided an update on the Article 4 Direction, stating that work was ongoing and an update was expected in September. Councillor Kirsch addressed concerns about Churchfields, confirming its Green Flag status and ongoing efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour. Councillor Kirsch also responded to questions about enforcement, noting national recruitment challenges and recent successful prosecutions for planning breaches at the land rear of Kenwood.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a discussion with representatives from Transport for London (TfL) regarding ongoing issues on the A3 and local roads. Key points included:

• Hook Rise South: Installation of H-bar markings to protect drop curbs was planned to commence the following week, weather permitting. Discussions also touched upon the need for parking surveys and potential controlled parking zones (CPZs).
• Speed Reductions: TfL confirmed progress on reducing speed limits from 30mph to 20mph on A3 service roads, including Hook Rise South and Beverley Way, with a commitment to deliver this within the current financial year.
• A3 Incident: Catherine Seaborne from TfL provided an update on the structural damage to a safety barrier on the A3 following a high-speed incident on 8 May. She explained the necessity of lane closures for safety while a specialist replacement barrier is manufactured and installed, a process expected to take approximately one week once ready. Residents expressed frustration over the extended lane closures and the impact on traffic, questioning the necessity of the extensive closures and the suitability of existing barriers.
• Street Cleaning and Maintenance: A resident raised concerns about the cleanliness and maintenance of Hookrai South, leading to a discussion about the responsibilities of TfL and the council for street cleaning, gully cleansing, and weeding. It was clarified that street cleaning is the council's responsibility, while weeding and gully cleaning fall under TfL. Residents were encouraged to report issues directly.

Neighbourhood Manager's Report and Other Business

Richard Dean, the Neighbourhood Manager, gave his final report before retirement. He thanked the community for their support and highlighted the need for volunteers for the upcoming Celebrate Chessington event. He also provided information about a public event regarding UK Power Networks' upcoming work.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude and well wishes for Richard Dean's retirement from both councillors and community representatives.