Last night the Planning Committee came to the same conclusion as residents and voted to refuse the application by 10 to 1. Despite the need for homes, the scale, height and massing of the development is not appropriate for this location and would cause substantial harm to Metropolitan Open Land. The proposed development is also out of character with the wider area.

Huge thanks to Anne Cabraal, Mike Freter, Councillor Tom Drummond and Councillor Richard Thorpe for their speeches.

The Committee thanked everyone who had contacted them directly and said that the information provided was really helpful. If you would like to watch the webcast you can do so here.

We’d especially like to thank Planning Aid for London and the Kingston Society for their advice and wisdom over the last year.

Also, all the groups who have collaborated on this; The Friends of Sir Joseph Hood, Station Estate Residents’ Association Kingston (SERAK), Marina Avenue Neighbourhood Group, Old Malden Residents Group Facebook page, Raynes Park and West Barnes Residents Association, New Malden Residents Association, Worcester Park Flood Forum.

Paul Kohler MP for holding a meeting with constituents and writing to Kingston Council Executives and Planning Committee Members on their behalf.

Individuals who gave up huge amounts of time include Sarah Henderson, Marisa Waymouth, Councillor John Oliver, Kirstie Wilkins, Sandra Holton, Barry Magee, Terry Paton, Nicola Albury, Angela Reed, Riona Woodman, Stacey Dix, Sue Bruley, Bob Smith, Ann Norman, Sarah McAlister, Sophie Cabral, Jonna Leigh, Rebecca Tate, Mehul Verma, Jerry Cuthbert, Mary-Jane Jeanes, Clare Townsend and Toby Ewin, and various architects and ecologists.

Thank you also to those who contributed funds, or their kitchens and living rooms for endless meetings, and all the local residents who gave up their time to leaflet and spread the word!

Two websites, one Facebook group and many hours of research, meetings and leafleting. What happens next remains to be seen but last night was a wonderful result we can all be proud of.