The Planning Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Wednesday 8 July 2026, approving three significant planning applications. These included the installation of air source heat pumps at Surbiton Library, the redevelopment of the former Regent Wing at Kingston Hospital into 150 residential apartments, and the construction of a new mixed-use building at 7A The Triangle, comprising commercial space and 34 residential flats.

Surbiton Library Air Source Heat Pumps

Permission was granted for the installation of three air source heat pumps on the rear roof of Surbiton Library, along with the relocation of existing solar panels. The equipment will be enclosed by railings. An objection was raised by a resident of the library's first-floor flats concerning potential noise impacts, arguing that the initial noise assessment had not adequately considered the flats within the same building. The council's Environmental Health Officer reviewed an updated assessment and raised no objection, subject to conditions. Councillors discussed the conditions, including a post-installation noise and vibration test with a remedy plan. Ultimately, an additional condition was agreed to include a noise measurement at the location of the flats during the post-installation assessment, which was passed unanimously.

Regent Wing, Kingston Hospital Redevelopment

The committee approved the demolition of the former Regent Wing at Kingston Hospital and its redevelopment into 150 build-to-rent residential apartments. The proposal includes communal amenity spaces, landscaping, blue badge parking, cycle parking, play space, and improvements to site access. A key discussion point was the disapplication of the standard late-stage review mechanism for affordable housing contributions. Officers argued that the applicant's offer of a £2.25 million upfront payment in lieu of this review, which was significantly higher than the estimated potential yield from a late-stage review, provided greater certainty and accelerated delivery. This was supported by examples of similar decisions made by the Greater London Authority and a previous decision on the same site. Concerns were raised by Councillor Olly Wehring regarding the risk of developers delaying construction to benefit from market improvements if the late-stage review was removed. Councillor Roger Hayes proposed an amendment to the Section 106 agreement to ensure the early stage review was brought forward to 18 months, which was accepted. Other points discussed included the management of the play area, the need for mature trees in landscaping, and the retention of a historic water pipe. The application was approved unanimously.

7A The Triangle, Kingston Upon Thames Development

The committee approved the demolition of existing buildings at 7A The Triangle and the erection of a new mixed-use building. The development will feature 497 square metres of commercial space (Use Class E) on the ground floor and 34 self-contained market residential flats on the upper floors, stepping from three to five storeys. The proposal also includes public realm improvements and landscaping. A key consideration was the loss of 216 sqm of employment floorspace, but officers concluded that the benefits of housing delivery, particularly given the council's lack of a five-year housing land supply, outweighed this loss. The development will be car-free, with 11 off-street parking spaces provided, including disabled and car club bays, and extensive cycle parking. Concerns were raised about the housing mix, with the proposal offering 16.7% three-bedroom units, slightly below the 30% target, but this was deemed acceptable due to viability considerations and the provision of four-person two-bedroom units. The proposal includes significant sustainability measures, aiming for a 68% carbon reduction beyond building regulations and a 63.17% biodiversity net gain. A financial contribution of £100,000 towards enhancements at the adjacent Dickeridge Road recreation ground was also secured. The application was approved unanimously.