The agenda for the meeting includes discussion of two planning applications and any urgent items authorised by the Chair, Councillor Mark Beynon. There are also notes for those attending the meeting, and guidance for the public on how they can get involved in the planning process.

22 Gloucester Road

The meeting will discuss an application for full planning permission to demolish the existing buildings at 22 Gloucester Road and build 34 'co-living' units. The application (reference 24/00805/FUL) is a resubmission of a previously refused application and the report pack notes that it includes amendments in response to the reasons for refusal, including matters such as residential quality, urban design, neighbouring amenity impacts, highway impacts, drainage and carbon zero targets. The applicant is seeking to develop a three-storey building with a basement, to include cycle parking, refuse storage and a disabled car parking space. The site is currently vacant and was formerly used as a care home.

The supporting documents provided by the applicant state that the development would contribute positively to well-designed, mixed and inclusive neighbourhoods and provide a high-quality housing choice for single-person households who cannot or choose not to live in self-contained accommodation. They also state that the development would achieve a minimum on-site carbon emissions reduction of 52% against Part L of the Building Regulations 2021, in excess of the target reduction of 35%.

The development would contribute to the borough’s housing supply and would provide a high-quality housing choice for single-person households who cannot or choose not to live in self-contained accommodation.

The case officer, the Assistant Director of Strategic Planning & Infrastructure, is recommending that planning permission be granted. They advise that no affordable housing will be required as the Residual Land Value of the proposed scheme is lower than the Benchmark Land Value with and without any affordable housing contribution.

The case officer acknowledges concerns that have been raised by the council's Urban Design Officer about the potential for daylight/sunlight impacts on residents of Woodstock Court, a neighbouring three-storey block of flats. However, they note that the Daylight and Sunlight Assessment confirms the proposed development on Woodstock Court would be considered to be minor adverse and state that the minor and moderate reduction in skylight to the windows servicing kitchens on the ground and first floors would be detrimental to the amenity of neighbouring occupants.

War Memorial Garden

The meeting will discuss a proposal by the council itself, for full planning permission (reference 24/01189/CREG3) to make public realm improvements to War Memorial Garden, which is located in the Kingston Old Town Conservation Area.

The proposed works include: new pathways and improved hardstanding, new garden and habitat planting beds and trees, new pedestrian connections through to the east of the site, new lighting, new street furniture and play equipment, and improvements to the setting of heritage assets, including the Grade II* listed War Memorial.

The application seeks retrospective consent for the removal of the metal railings around the gardens which were temporarily removed as a safety measure during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report pack states that the key issues to consider are the principle of development, design, character, appearance, heritage, biodiversity and landscaping.

The council is seeking to make the gardens more welcoming and encourage more people to use the space while keeping the tone quiet and reflective. A key part of this will be to create two new openings at the rear of the gardens into Cloisters Mall to enable people to walk through the gardens.

Considered holistically, this would not harm the character of the space; the character of the Kingston Old Town Conservation Area nor the setting of the Grade 11* listed war memorial, which would be improved by greater prominence.

One neighbour has objected to the scheme, stating: This is a graveyard and war memorial, not a children’s playground.

The council's Heritage Officer is recommending approval, but notes that the removal of the railings from the boundary between the gardens and Union Street may have been detrimental:

However, the complete removal of the delineation between Union Street and Memorial Gardens might remove the sense of entering a different space; it makes the War Memorial an extension of Union Street, with the gardens behind it.

The council's Biodiversity Officer is also recommending approval and observes that the Urban Greening Factor¹ of the site will be 1.03 after the completion of the works. The case officer concludes that the proposal would secure biodiversity enhancements and SUDs and would preserve the character and appearance of the Grade II* Listed War Memorial, and the Old Town Conservation Area. They are recommending that planning permission be granted.