The application has now been ‘called in’ by the Mayor, meaning the final decision will be made by the Greater London Authority.

You can still influence the outcome by writing to the GLA.

To go straight to the GLA website and use their online form click here. Don’t forget to click on the confirmation email.

For further information, keep on reading.

Overview of the development

The proposal remains the same – 586 homes, in five tower blocks, up to 16 storeys.  On completion vehicle access would be via Green Lane to the south, with pedestrian, cycle and emergency access via West Barnes Lane and Marina Avenue to the north.

The site lies within both Kingston and Merton, while the Green Lane traffic impact affects Sutton.

The Main Concerns

• The site is designated Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) – with the same protection as Green Belt – where development is either prohibited or heavily restricted.  
• The height and scale of the five towers will both substantially harm the ‘openness’ of the MOL and significantly alter the character and distinctiveness of the surrounding low-rise neighbourhood.
• The urban-scale density of the development places unsustainable pressure on our local suburban infrastructure – roads, services, employment and public transport.
• Finally, public transport is a major weakness.  Trains are infrequent and capacity is stretched.  Bus provision is poor, especially the K5 which doesn’t run after 8pm or on Sundays.  This raises concerns about how future residents would access employment, services and London’s night-time economy, particularly as the developer assumes low car ownership.

The Current Position

Round 1 – Kingston Council refuses permission

On 11^th March, Kingston Council refused planning permission for the main development. Click here to read Kingston’s reasons for refusal.

Merton Council had not yet determined their application for the northern access routes.

Sutton Council submitted a formal objection to Kingston based on tall buildings and harm to Metropolitan Open Land.
Click below to read Sutton’s objection.

Round 2 – GLA Review

The Mayor will now will now be responsible for deciding upon the whole application, instead of Kingston and Merton Councils. The date of the GLA hearing is expected shortly. Their dedicated page can be found here.

You can help influence the decision by submitting your own comments to the GLA.

How to Object to the GLA

What Makes an Effective Objection

• Anyone can object.
• The most effective objections are:  polite, concise, factual, based on planning issues and supported by evidence or local knowledge.
• It is usually better to focus on a few strong points rather than trying to cover every issue.
• Individual responses are generally more effective than copied templates.

What You Need to Do

1. Choose the issues that matter most to you or your area.
   Click here to see the key issues and relevant associated London Plan policies
2. Write a short objection in your own words.
3. Support your comments with evidence, planning policy or local knowledge where possible.
4. Send your objection to the GLA using their online form. Don’t forget to click on the confirmation email.
5. You may also want to lobby GLA members. Ask them to submit your comments to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Planning Department.
   Click here for GLA contact details.
6. Encourage your neighbours to submit their own individual objections.

Public participation matters and gets results.  Thank you for helping.