The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee met on Tuesday 18 November 2025. The committee deferred a decision on a supplementary request for funding for the Tudor Library Mindful Garden. The meeting also discussed speed reduction measures and considered two planning applications.

Prioritised Intervention - Speed Reduction in the Neighbourhood

The committee received an update on the council's programme to reduce vehicle speeds across the neighbourhood. Traffic data collected before and after the implementation of a borough-wide 20mph speed limit revealed that average speeds have fallen on 40 surveyed roads. However, only 22.5% of these roads now have an average speed compliant with the 20mph limit, with 65% recording speeds between 20mph and 24mph. Five roads (12.5%) had average speeds of 24mph or higher.

The report indicated a 18% reduction in collisions borough-wide between 2017-2019 and 2022-2024, with the number of casualties also falling. Air quality data also showed improvements in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations across the borough, although the report noted it was difficult to definitively attribute this solely to the 20mph speed limit due to other external factors such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion.

To address non-compliance, Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) will be installed in locations where average speeds are between 20mph and 24mph. In the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood specifically, four roads (Horsefair, Kingston Hill, Richmond Road, and Dukes Avenue) recorded average speeds below 20mph, while the remaining six surveyed roads were between 20mph and 24mph. A further review of 40 roads is planned for 2026 to monitor speeds.

Planning Applications

Two planning applications were considered by the committee:

• 25/01228/FUL - 25 Blenheim Gardens, Kingston Upon Thames, KT2 7BN: This application sought to change the use of an existing House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) to a children's home for up to five children, with a manager and up to three carers. The committee agreed to approve the application subject to conditions. A key consideration was the loss of a family-sized residential dwelling, which conflicts with the council's housing policies. However, this was weighed against the identified need for children's homes in the borough, supported by evidence from Achieving for Children and Kingston's Housing Needs Assessment 2024. The proposal was deemed not to harm the character and appearance of the area or significantly impact neighbouring amenities, provided an operational management plan and acoustic mitigation measures were secured by condition.

• 25/02342/HOUF - 25 Durlston Road, Kingston Upon Thames, KT2 5RR: This householder application proposed the demolition of a detached garage and single-storey rear extension, and the erection of a part two-storey/part single-storey side extension, a single-storey rear extension, and a rear piggy-back roof extension with rooflights to facilitate a loft conversion. The committee agreed to approve the application subject to conditions. The main issues considered were character, design, and impact on residential amenity. The proposed extensions were deemed to be of a suitable scale and design that would respect the character of the area and not adversely affect neighbouring properties in terms of outlook, privacy, or daylight. The application was similar to a previously approved one, with the only difference being an increase in the depth of the single-storey rear extension.

Allocation of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Funds

The committee considered a supplementary request for NCIL funding for the Tudor Library Mindful Garden. The request was for £4,930. The committee resolved to defer this application. The report noted that the overall NCIL budget available for allocation in the Kingston and North Kingston neighbourhood was £400,000, with a total of £395,070 remaining after this request. The report also provided financial data on NCIL collected over the past three years, indicating a downward trend in income.

Decisions Progress Update

An update was provided on previously made decisions. Notably, reports on the Albert Road Low Traffic Neighbourhood and the Kings Road Area Traffic Management measures are expected at future meetings. The Canbury Gardens Shared Use Cycle Path scheme has been completed and is being monitored. Work has started on the Kingston to New Malden Cycle Route Development, and traffic orders for Ely Close and Rowlls Road are expected to be made by mid-November 2025. A decision on the petition regarding traffic management measures on Manorgate Road was deferred to a future meeting.