The proposed density is wholly disproportionate given the site’s limited access to jobs, amenities, transport links and essential services.

Berkeley proposes 586 homes – mostly 1-2 bed flats – in high-rise towers squeezed into just 6.1 acres. The resulting population spike will put a severe strain on local infrastructure, amenities, and community cohesion. The scale, concentration and positioning of this development risks seriously eroding quality of life for existing residents and cast doubt on whether this is a sustainable location.

The London Plan (Policy D2 Infrastructure requirements for sustainable densities) states:

“The density of development proposals should:
1) consider, and be linked to, the provision of future planned levels of infrastructure rather than existing levels
2) be proportionate to the site’s connectivity and accessibility by walking, cycling, and public transport to jobs and services (including both PTAL and access to local services)”

Policy G2 (Making the best use of land) states that higher density development should be in “locations that are well-connected to jobs, services, infrastructure and amenities by public transport, walking and cycling.”

However, Public Access Transport Levels alone suggest the density is inappropriate due to low connectivity. With a lack of local employers, doctors, shops, and even public greenspace, how will these levels of housing density be supported?

Kingston Council, in the Core Strategy (page 40) recognises that Motspur Park is an area with the greatest deficiency of access to local centres. Figure 8 also shows the Old Malden area as having a retail deficiency.