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Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee - Wednesday 18 June 2025 7:00 pm
June 18, 2025 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee met to discuss neighbourhood working arrangements and allocate funding from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL). The committee de-established its planning sub-committee, and approved funding for a number of local projects, including improvements to the Half Mile Tree, a wildlife pond extension at Latchmere Recreation Ground, and riverbank restoration at Canbury Gardens.
Neighbourhood Working Arrangements
The committee voted to disband its planning sub-committee for the 2025-26 municipal year. Councillor Ian George raised concerns that full neighbourhood committee meetings could become dominated by planning applications, meaning residents attending to discuss other matters might not get the chance to do so. Councillor Rowena Bass echoed these concerns, recalling an instance where an elderly resident had to wait until late in the evening for their planning application to be discussed. Councillor Olly Wehring, Chair of the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee, said he would prioritise agenda items based on public attendance and the committee could reinstate the sub-committee if needed.
Allocation of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL)
The committee considered 11 bids for NCIL funding, totalling over £465,500. Paul Young, Infrastructure Planning Manager, noted that income trends were declining due to a drop in planning applications.
Khalsa Karate Dojo: Renovation of martial arts community centre
The committee deferred a decision on a £147,431.98 application from Kau-Sei Karate to renovate a disused outbuilding at the YMCA Hawker Centre into a martial arts community centre. Councillor Olly Wehring proposed the deferral, which was seconded by Councillor Anne Owen, because the project was contingent on the relocation of the karate club due to the proposed construction of a new secondary school, which is currently under review.
Half Mile Tree: Improvements
The committee approved £15,000 for the council's Green Spaces team to replace the existing Half Mile Tree and improve the surrounding area. The plans include a semi-mature tree, a replacement bench, and more biodiverse planting. Councillor James Manthel said there was a huge amount of interest from residents and local people walking up and down and the request to replant something substantial and to reinstate the benches was something that I think every person I spoke to really reinforced.
Councillor Anne Owen asked about the £5,000 allocated for interpretation, and Colin from the Green Spaces team explained that this would fund an information board about the history of the area.
Latchmere Recreation Ground: Wildlife Pond Extension
The committee approved £17,000 for the council's Green Spaces team to expand the existing wildlife pond at Latchmere Recreation Ground. The project aims to address issues with the pond's water level and improve biodiversity. Councillor James Manthel asked about the pond liner, and Colin from the Green Spaces team explained that a more traditional butyl liner with a protective cover would be used. Councillor Nicola Nardelli asked about the cost, and Colin from the Green Spaces team said the estimate was provided by the same company that worked on the Claremont Gardens pond, and that any underspend would be returned. Councillor Anne Owen noted that the pond was a popular spot for children.
Canbury Gardens: Petanque Court
The committee deferred a decision on a £18,000 application from the council's Green Spaces team, in conjunction with the Canberra Park Working Group, for the installation of a petanque1 court at Canbury Gardens. Councillor Olly Wehring proposed deferring the decision for six months after the completion of a similar court at Latchmere Recreation Ground, to assess its popularity. Councillor Ian George supported the deferral, expressing concern that the court might not be well-used. Councillor James Manthel spoke in favour of the court, highlighting community interest and the potential for the nearby Canbury Secret's Pavilion to hire out boules. Councillor Rowena Bass raised concerns about the long-term maintenance of such facilities.
Canbury Gardens: Riverbank Restoration
The committee approved £35,000 for the council's Green Spaces team, in conjunction with the Thames Landscape Strategy, for riverbank restoration at Canbury Gardens. The project involves reprofiling the bank, creating beach areas, and planting native aquatic species. Councillor Anne Owen asked about the location of the project and the reasons for a previously unsuccessful funding application. Colin from the Green Spaces team explained that the project had been moved upstream due to access issues and that the previous funding application did not meet the criteria. Councillor Patrick Hall raised concerns about access to the river and the impact on fishing. Colin from the Green Spaces team said that the project would involve consultation and management to address these concerns. Councillor James Manthel spoke in favour of the project, highlighting the need to address erosion and improve biodiversity.
Climate Safe Streets: Linden/Portman and Somerset
The committee rejected a £60,000 application from Mark Frost to create and implement a green infrastructure plan for Linden, Portman, and Somerset roads. The plan aimed to improve climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable transport. Councillor Emily Davey expressed concerns about the cost and the lack of resident commitment to maintenance. Councillor Nicola Nardelli said she felt the money could be better spent elsewhere. Councillor Rowena Bass echoed concerns about maintenance, citing previous failed planting schemes. Councillor Olly Wehring proposed an amendment to approve £20,000 for exploratory work and statutory consultation, but this was rejected.
Tudor Drive Library: Garden
The committee approved £39,381 for the Tudor Library Friends group to create a mindfulness garden adjacent to the Tudor Drive Library. Councillor Patrick Hall praised the group's work and described the current site as a council liability
. Councillor Jamal Chohan also praised the group's work.
Kingston WelCare: Arts and Crafts Facility
The committee approved £59,016 for Kingston WelCare to renovate and enlarge an existing outhouse into an arts and crafts facility. Councillor Anne Owen, who is on the Executive Board of the WellCare Group, recused herself from the discussion after making a statement in support of the project. Councillor George praised the number of charities involved and the community use of the facility. Councillor Nicola Nardelli supported the application.
Springfield Blue Bridge: Regeneration
The committee approved £14,300 for the design costs of an arts-led regeneration of Springfield Blue Bridge. The project aims to create a new public space, improve active travel routes, and provide an amenity for residents and visitors. Councillor Emily Davey asked about the durability of the paint. Councillor Nicola Nardelli said the bridge needed refurbishment and was unsure about the project. Councillor Ian George expressed concern about the cost and whether the community was just being consulted about what paint to put on the bridge. Councillor Rowena Bass questioned the long-term maintenance of the project and the potential for confusion for people with dementia. Councillor Olly Wehring proposed an amendment to approve funding for the design stage only, with a return to the committee for further funding, which was seconded by Councillor Jamal Chohan.
Weir Archer: Accessibility Pathway & Ramp
The committee approved £20,750 for the creation of an accessible pathway and ramp at the Weir Archer Athletics and Fitness Centre. Councillor Ian George said it was an obvious project to support. Councillor Rowena Bass encouraged more bids from the athletics centre. Councillor Emily Davey, whose son uses the centre's Wheels for All programme, praised the centre and the programme.
London Design Festival: Kingston
The committee approved £15,000 for the Kingston Pontem Society to create a design hub and trail for the London Design Festival. Councillor Emily Davey asked whether the project was dependent on the funding and how sustainable the structure was. Peter Karpinski from the Kingston Pontem Society said they had secured a space regardless and were looking at ways to reduce costs. Councillor John Sweeney endorsed the application, highlighting the benefits of promoting Kingston. Councillor Rowena Bass thanked the Kingston Pontem Society for their work.
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Petanque is a form of boules where the goal is to throw hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet (jack). ↩
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