The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee met to discuss traffic issues, community grant applications, and a planning application. The committee approved three community grant applications and heard questions from the public and the committee about traffic mitigation measures. A planning application was withdrawn from the agenda.

Transport for London (TfL) Questions and Answers

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing concerns about traffic issues, specifically regarding vehicles using the A3 and Fullers Way North. Representatives from TfL were present to answer questions from both the committee and the public.

Eunice Hamadi, Principal Engineer, clarified the reasons for inviting TfL representatives, citing Section 121B of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which requires notification to TfL for any borough action affecting a GLA road¹. She also noted that the data initially sent to TfL for assessment predated the inclusion of an additional 170 vehicles in the data.

Liz Mitchell, a resident, raised concerns about discrepancies in traffic data, particularly between a 2023 survey and a 2024 survey, and questioned the impact of displaced traffic on local residential roads. She asked:

Will you consider doing other surveys considering that there are these discrepancies with the 2024 and will you continue to make decisions based on the right data and not data that's got more holes in it than Swiss Chief?

Matt Stendell from TfL, responded that TfL's assessment was based on the 2024 data, and that changing the time banding of the data would likely suggest less through traffic and a greater volume of traffic being displaced onto the A3. He added that accommodating additional traffic through the Tolworth Roundabout would be very difficult and would significantly impact the operation of the roundabout and bus services.

Simon Laycock, another resident, referenced the Mayor of London's transport strategy and asked how the strategy's goals of promoting active travel and reducing traffic could be achieved in their area. He also asked what the most effective means of promoting active travel, reducing traffic levels and reducing the speed of motor traffic were.

Another resident, Alex Mills, speaking on behalf of multiple roads in the area, stated that a simple closure of Fullers Way North would not be a viable solution and suggested using ANPR² to allow residents and industrial park traffic to pass through without penalty.

Lloyd Edwards, a resident from Worthington Road, stated that residents were satisfied with the current traffic levels and calming measures, and that they would support a neighbourhood-wide ANPR solution.

Sue, a resident of Fullers Way North, asked about the possibility of a slip road onto the A3 from Fullers Way North, a proposal that was allegedly made when Taller Close was being built.

Councillor Mariana Goncalves asked if TfL would support measures to solve the issue of limited alternative routes due to the lack of a connection between the A3 eastbound and Hook Road. Councillor Andrew Wooldridge asked what evidence-based mitigations could make a restriction on the left turn from the A3 into Fullers Way North viable in the future. Councillor Alison Holt asked if TfL had considered signage on the A3 to encourage drivers to use the Hook Roundabout instead of exiting onto Fullers Way North. Councillor Thay Thayalan asked how TfL would handle traffic from the Signal Park development, given the possibility of further construction in the area.

Councillor Tom Reeve, Chair of the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee, asked about the knock-on effects of traffic rerouting and whether the current layout was an optimal solution, suggesting a long-term design study.

In response to the various questions, TfL representatives indicated that they would need to take several issues away for further consideration, including the feasibility of a new connection between the A3 and Hook Road, and the possibility of a long-term design study. They also cautioned that any major changes would require collaboration between multiple highway authorities and significant funding.

Eunice Hamadi stated that the Highways team would bring a report back to the committee on 9 September with follow-up recommendations.

Community Grants Programme

The committee considered three applications for Neighbourhood Community Grants. James Geach, Neighbourhood and Communities Manager, presented the report.

• Voices for Hope - A £3,000 grant for the BrightBox program was approved. Mariana, the project lead for BrightBox, explained that the program provides weekly meal kits with recipes and fresh ingredients to families, primarily for key stage two pupils in primary schools. The aim is to establish lifelong healthy eating habits and practical cooking skills. This year, they intend to work with Limetree School in Surbiton. Councillor Alison Holt asked if Voices for Hope were applying to other committees for grant funding, and Mariana confirmed that they had applied for four grants in total, as they partner with different schools in different neighbourhoods. Councillor Liz Green asked about dropouts from the program, and Mariana responded that they usually have great engagement from families. Councillor Yogan Yoganathan asked how families were selected for the program, and Mariana explained that the schools identify the families most in need. Councillor Andrew Wooldridge praised the organisation and Mariana for being a great ambassador. Councillor Thay Thayalan said that he had visited the Kingsgate premises and seen how the Bright Boxes are made up.
• Association QMC School of Capoeira - A £3,000 grant for the Solta o Jogo 2025 festival was approved. Marcus, Paul, and Adrian, coaches at the school, presented the application. Marcus explained that the festival demonstrates the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, and includes a competition, cultural performances, and free classes. Councillor Mariana Goncalves asked about the week-long cultural classes and how the grant would be used for targeted advertising. Marcus responded that the classes include afro dance, samba, and capoeira, and that they would advertise through social media, flyers, and by asking councillors to forward their advertising. Councillor Goncalves, Councillor Wooldridge, and Councillor Thayalan all spoke in favour of the application, praising the event's family-friendly atmosphere and cultural significance. Councillor Green mentioned that Gareth Roberts, leader of Richmond Council, enjoys attending cultural activities in Kingston. Councillor Yoganathan asked if the school was participating in the Kingston Carnival.
• Head2Head Sensory Theatre - A £3,000 grant for multi-sensory shows for the Surbiton Special Needs' Community was approved. James Geach read a statement on behalf of Annie from Head2Head Sensory Theatre, who could not attend the meeting. The statement explained that Head2Head Sensory Theatre provides accessible, multi-sensory theatre for children and young people with learning and physical disabilities. Councillor Holt spoke in favour of the application, highlighting the importance of providing a relaxed and understanding environment for special needs children and their families. She suggested offering some free tickets for families who may not be able to afford the cost, and offered to second a motion to increase the grant amount to allow for this. It was agreed that Head2Head Sensory Theatre would be invited to make a supplementary bid for councillor award funding.

Planning Application

The committee was scheduled to determine an application for the demolition of an existing property and the erection of two new family homes at The Ranch, 8 Southborough Close. However, Councillor Tom Reeve announced that the application had been withdrawn from the agenda as no registered objector had registered a speaking slot by the deadline. The item was reverted to the director of planning and regeneration to determine their delegated powers.

Other Business

The committee approved the minutes of the meeting held on 10 June 2025, with one amendment. Councillor Peter Herlinger suggested that the word particularly should be added after K2 bus frequency in minute number 12.

Councillor Tom Reeve noted that there were no petitions submitted for the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jackie Davies, Ian Mendes, Anita Sharpa, and Diane White. No declarations of interest were made by members.