The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee met on Tuesday 20 January 2026, where they approved a planning application for the conversion of a family home into two flats and reviewed the Surbiton Neighbourhood Community Plan. The committee also discussed planned highway maintenance and street lighting programmes for the upcoming year.

Planning Application Approved for 3 The Mall, Surbiton

The committee approved a planning application for the erection of single-storey rear and part first-floor rear extensions, along with a rear dormer roof extension, to facilitate a loft conversion at 3 The Mall, Surbiton KT6 4EH. The proposal also includes the conversion of the single-family dwelling into two flats.

The application was brought before the committee due to more than five objections being received, raising concerns about the principle of converting a family home into flats, over-intensification of the site, potential for setting a precedent, noise and disturbance, loss of light, increased overlooking, parking issues, and refuse storage.

Officers noted that while some elements of the proposed extensions had been approved individually in previous applications, a cumulative assessment was necessary. The report highlighted that the existing building was currently used as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), not family housing, and that the proposed two three-bedroom flats would still be capable of accommodating families. The development was deemed to be in a sustainable location with good public transport accessibility levels (PTAL) of 4, and within 800 metres of Surbiton District Centre and the railway station.

Concerns regarding the impact on neighbouring amenity were addressed, with officers concluding that the proposed extensions, when considered cumulatively and in light of existing permissions and fallback positions, would not cause significant harm. The report also confirmed that the proposed flats would meet minimum internal floor space requirements and provide adequate private amenity space, including cycle storage. Parking provision for two vehicles within the front garden was considered acceptable, with a legal agreement to restrict future occupants from applying for parking permits. The application was approved subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

Surbiton Neighbourhood Community Plan Annual Review

The committee reviewed the Surbiton Neighbourhood Community Plan (SNCP), which serves as a framework for decision-making, particularly for the allocation of Community Grant Programme (CGP) funding. The SNCP, adopted in January 2025, reflects local priorities voiced by residents through consultations.

The report detailed that since January 2025, the committee had made twenty-three awards to twenty-two local projects and groups, totalling a significant investment across various categories. These awards supported initiatives ranging from community events and garden projects to playground and footpath improvements, and rewilding projects. The committee resolved to approve the continued use of the current SNCP and delegated authority to the Neighbourhood Manager to make amendments based on committee comments.

Planned Highway Maintenance and Street Lighting Capital Programme 2026/27

The committee was asked to comment on the proposed carriageway and footway maintenance programme for 2026/27 and to note the street lighting column replacement programme. The report outlined planned maintenance works for 2025/26 and the proposed programme for 2026/27, which is subject to approval by the Place Committee.

The council has a corporate budget of £1,750,000 for footway and carriageway maintenance, with an additional £400,000 for street lighting column replacement. Furthermore, the council is set to receive significant Department for Transport (DfT) funding for highway infrastructure maintenance over the next four years, estimated to be worth up to £6,035,000. A high-level outline of roads proposed for maintenance using this DfT allocation in 2026/27 was provided for comment.

The report detailed the process for prioritising road maintenance, which includes visual and AI-based inspections, condition rankings, usage levels, and proximity to trip generators. Footway maintenance prioritisation focuses on areas with the greatest risk of trips and falls. The street lighting column replacement programme is funded at £400,000, with a structural testing programme to inform future needs. The council is also committed to a 100% conversion of lighting units to LED by the end of FY 2025/26.

The report highlighted the benefits of the programme, including ensuring the highway network is safe and facilitating movement, and noted that suggestions from previous neighbourhood committee meetings had been considered for the 2026/27 programme. The council's duty to maintain highways under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 was referenced, along with the defence under Section 58 if reasonable care has been taken. Equalities, health, and environmental implications were also considered, with the programme expected to have positive impacts on mobility, personal safety, and encourage active travel.

Work Programme

The committee noted the Work Programme, which outlines upcoming agenda items for future meetings. Key items include the consideration of objections for the Ewell Road Cycle Route Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO) and parking issues on Verona Drive, both scheduled for the 17 March 2026 meeting. An update on Seething Wells and a community safety update are also scheduled. The Surbiton Neighbourhood Community Plan annual review is slated for 19 January 2027, and the Neighbourhood Manager's report on Ranger Activity for 2026 is also listed for the same date.