The proposed tall builings are completely out of character with the surrounding low-rise suburban neighbourhoods.

Berkeley claim “the site itself is distinct: isolated from the immediate grain of housing, enclosed by green and infrastructural edges, and therefore capable of accommodating buildings of a larger scale”. However, the gas holder site, along with the Kingshill and the Station Estate are part of the same land parcel that previously belonged to Malden Green Farm.

The gas holders are in the historic Parish of Malden. To the south of the site is the Station Estate, and to the west Motspur Park. Both were built in the 1930s, and described in detail in Kingston Council’s character study of Old Malden. The clue is in the name. To the north and east lies West Barnes, some of which was built in the 1920s.

The Old Malden Character Study states ” Views to the north of the gas holders have a significant impact on the character of the area”. This implies the site IS part of the area. If their visual transparency and smaller footprint impact the character of the area, then solid buildings with greater volume and a larger footprint will impact character even more.

The National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 129 states “Planning policies and decisions should support development that makes efficient use of land, taking into account the desirability of maintaining an area’s prevailing character and setting (including residential gardens), or of promoting regeneration and change.”

With evidence of strong character, and no need for regeneration or change in the wider area, the proposals seem incompatible with national policy.

Kingston’s Site Assessment 2019 calculated the site suitable for 78 to 166 homes based on Suburban character and PTAL of 0.

At local level the proposals conflict with policy. Kingston’s Core Strategy (Policy CS 8 Character, Design and Heritage) states “The Council will protect the primarily suburban character of the Borough, existing buildings and areas of high quality and historic interest from inappropriate development”

Policy DM 10 Design Requirements for New Developments goes further.

“Development proposals will be required to incorporate principles of good design. The most essential elements identified as contributing to the character and local distinctiveness of a street or area which should be respected, maintained or enhanced include the following:

a. prevailing development typology, including housing types, sizes and occupancy

b. prevailing density of the surrounding area.

c. scale, layout, height, form (including roof forms), massing

Development proposals should also:

m. protect the quality, character, scale and skylines of sensitive areas“