Meetings, Agenda and Minutes

Two petitions, one of 40 signatures and one of 54, were received objecting to the proposed building of a multi-use games area at Clayhill Student Hostel, planning reference 10/16014. These were considered during discussion of the planning application and will also be considered when the application returns to the Committee.  

Councillor Frances Moseley declared a personal and prejudicial interest in minute item 93 Flats 23 and 24 Shamley, Howard Road and part of minute item 91 Neighbourhood Budget Community Project Grant Applications: Alpha Road.

Reason: She sits on the Development Control Committee that will decide the planning applications and she wrote the grant application for the Alpha Road estate.

Councillor Liz Green declared a personal and prejudicial interest in minute item 90/1 Clayhill Student Hostel, Burney Avenue.

Reason: She was a consultee and provided written objections to the planning department.

Community Plan

Around 110 people attended two public workshops held on 4 and 10 March 2010 to put forward and discuss issues of concern and interest to start the development of a Community Plan for the Surbiton Neighbourhood.  A range of issues were raised and a summary of these can be found on the Surbiton Community Plan web site: www.kingston.gov.uk/surbiton_community_plan   Anyone interested in receiving more information or in taking a more active role by being part of a Steering Group or wider Community Panel to take the plan forward should contact Christina Gardner on 020 8547 5369 or email christina.gardner@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Shopping Local in Surbiton

A new website promoting the variety, convenience of local shops and restaurants, together with any special offers, sponsored by the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee, will be available at the end of March on www.shoppinglocal.info

Neighbourhood Newsletter

If you would like to receive the quarterly Surbiton Neighbourhood Newsletter containing information on local issues and events please email gemma.gallant@rbk.kingston.gov.uk or call 020 8547 5919.

Events in the Community 

Evening Star Gazing Party, Millennium Green, Alexandra Park – 26 March 2010 at 6.30pm For more information see www.alexandramillenniumgreen.org

Farmers’ Market – Saturday, 20 March 2010 and 17 April 2010 from 9.30am to 1.00pm

For more information see www.mapleroadsurbiton.co.uk

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 3 February 2010 be confirmed as a correct record.

A summary of the reasons for granting permission and of any relevant development plan policies and proposals is included in the report of the Director of Planning and Transportation on each application where permission is recommended.  Permitted applications are subject to the conditions, informatives and other requirements set out in the report together with any other details on late responses to consultations or comments received since the agenda was printed, revised drawings circulated at the meeting and amended recommendations, additional conditions and informatives set out below.

Applications refused are for the reasons set out in the report by the Director of Planning and Transportation and any amended reasons are set out below.

Under the arrangements for speaking on planning applications objectors and applicants spoke on the following applications.

311 Ewell Road, Surbiton KT6 7BX 08/16505

Mrs Walker spoke as an objector to the proposal. There were no speakers on behalf of the applicant.

12 Lingfield Avenue, Surbiton KT1 2TN 09/16147

Mr Cragg spoke as an objector to the proposal. There were no speakers on behalf of the applicant.

Clayhill Student Hostel, Burney Avenue, Surbiton KT5 8DF

Mr Simonsson spoke as an objector to the proposal. Mr Armstrong spoke as the applicant and Ms Witney spoke on behalf of the applicant.

RESOLVED that the following applications be permitted, deferred or refused as indicated.

Installation of a temporary multi-use games area, to be installed for a period of 5 years at the Kingston University Clayhill student accommodation site.

DEFER to allow for extended consultation. 

Note: Councillor Liz Green declared a personal and prejudicial interest and left the room during discussion of this item.

Reason: She was a consultee and provided written objections to the planning department.

Erection of two storey side and part single/part two-storey rear extensions, alterations to roof of building including reduction in height, front and side dormer roof extensions to provide 8 x 2 bedroom flats with associated parking off Broomfield Road, cycle storage, bin storage and new vehicular crossovers to Ewell Road and Broomfield Road.

REFUSE 

Additional reasons:

6.                  Impact of dormers on the character and appearance of the host property and the street scene. Contrary to Policies BE11 and STR6 of the UDP.

7.                  The proposed development would result in unacceptable on street parking stress to the detriment of highway safety. Contrary to Policies T1, T20 and T2 of the UDP.

Demolition of existing rear extension. Erection of single storey front/side, and part single part two storey rear extensions to facilitate conversion to 8 flats comprising 5 x 1 bedroom and 3 x studio flats.

REFUSE 

Additional reason:

3.                  The proposed development would result in an unacceptable loss of outlook to the adjoining properties contrary to Policy H1 and BE12 of the UDP.

Partial demolition of house for extension and conversion into 5 x 1 bedroom flats.

PERMIT 

Amended condition:

10.             Refuse storage facilities, cycle parking and recycling facilities shall be provided prior to the occupation of the development hereby permitted in accordance with details which shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the development, such facilities to be permanently retained at the site.

Reason: To ensure the provision of refuse facilities and recycling facilities to the satisfaction of the Council in accordance with Policies H1 (Protection of Residential Amenities), STR6 (Conserving and Enhancing the Built Environment) and MW1 (Development of Waste Management Facilities) of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Unitary Development Plan First Alteration.

Additional condition:

14.             The openings and windows hereby permitted shall match in all details with those existing, with particular care being taken to reproduce the style and material of the timber window frames and casements, the arrangement of glazing bars, the set-back of the frames from the external wall face, the window cills, and the colour, texture and form of masonry arches over the openings.

Reason: In order that the development shall not detract from the character or appearance of the Conservation Area in accordance with Policies BE3 (Development in Conservation Areas) of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Unitary Development Plan First Alteration.

Conversion of ground floor flat into two x 1- bedroom flats including erection of replacement single storey rear extension and alterations to rear to allow access to upper floors.

PERMIT subject to a legal agreement to:

(i)                 preclude residents from applying for on street residents parking permits and for permits to park in Council-owned car parks in the area, and

(ii)               inform potential buyers/tenants of the above exclusion and to publicise the lack of parking provision in sales brochures.

Additional condition:

5.                  Refuse storage facilities and recycling facilities of appropriate materials (brick) shall be provided prior to the occupation of the development hereby permitted in accordance with details which shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the development, such facilities to be permanently retained at the site.

Reason: To ensure the provision of refuse facilities and recycling facilities to the satisfaction of the Council in accordance with Policies H1 (Protection of Residential Amenities), STR6 (Conserving and Enhancing the Built Environment) and MW1 (Development of Waste Management Facilities) of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Unitary Development Plan First Alteration.

Amended Informative:

1.                  Your attention is drawn to the need to comply with the relevant provisions of the Building Regulations, the Building Acts and other related legislation.  These cover such works as  - the demolition of existing buildings, the erection of a new building or structure, the extension or alteration to a building, change of use of buildings, installation of services, underpinning works, and fire safety/means of escape works.  Notice of intention to demolish existing buildings must be given to the Council's Building Control Service at least 6 weeks before work starts.  A completed application form together with detailed plans must be submitted for approval before any building work is commenced.  For further information and advice, contact - The Service Director (Planning and Transportation) (Building Control), Directorate of Environmental Services, Guildhall 11, Kingston upon Thames, on 020 8547 4699. As the development has commenced you are reminded of the need to comply with the above legislation, failure to do so may result in enforcement action.

09/16231/FUL: Erection of part single/part 3 storey side/rear extension to enable conversion to 4 x 3 bed flats with associated parking to the rear (Revised Proposal).

PERMIT subject to a legal agreement to require a financial contribution of £9,000 towards education facilities in the Borough.

Additional conditions:

14.             Fences, walls or other means of enclosure shall be erected along the boundaries of the site prior to the occupation of the development, in accordance with details which shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in consultation with the Ward Councillors and Co-Chairs and shall thereafter be permanently retained.

Reason: In order to ensure the privacy of adjoining occupiers and visual amenity of the area is retained in accordance with Policies BE11 (Design of New Buildings and Extensions), BE12 (Layout and Amenity of Buildings and Extensions), H1 (Protection of Residential Amenities) and STR6 (Conserving and Enhancing the Built Environment) of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Unitary Development Plan First Alteration

15.             The openings and windows hereby permitted shall match in all details with  those existing, and shall be provided prior to the occupation of the development hereby permitted in accordance with details which shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the development,.

Reason: In order that the development shall not detract from the character or appearance of the Conservation Area in accordance with Policies BE3 (Development in Conservation Areas) of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Unitary Development Plan First Alteration.

09/16355/CAC: Demolition of existing garage and first floor rear extension. 

PERMIT

The Committee received its regular Budget Monitoring Statement for the financial year 2009/10. Details were provided of the current level of spending against the Committee’s approved revenue budget. The current position to 31 January 2010 (Month 10) identifies an underspend of £3,600. 

The Committee has allocated £5,000 for Community Projects and four applications for grants were presented for consideration.

RESOLVED that:

1.                  the current position regarding the expenditure budget be noted;

2.                  the total saving identified be spent on Highways Maintenance in the Surbiton Neighbourhood;

3.                  the sum of £4,500 be allocated from the Neighbourhood Discretionary and Environmental Initiatives Budget for 2010/11 to provide hanging baskets in Surbiton Town Centre for the summer 2010;

4.                  in consultation with the Co-Chairs consideration be given to contributing a sum to provide more hanging baskets on Tolworth Broadway; and

5.                  the following grants to Community Projects be approved:

a.      South Hogsmill Valley Residents’ Association      £750

b.      Alexandra Neighbours’ Association                £750

c.      Alpha Road Residents’ Association                £500

d.      School Lane Residents’ Association                £600

REASON FOR DECISION

To monitor the budget and decide Community Projects applications for funding.

Note: Councillor Frances Moseley declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the Alpha Road Residents’ Association grant and left the room during discussion of this application.

Reason: She wrote the grant application on behalf of the residents’ association.

In November 2009, this Committee, together with the South of the Borough Committee, agreed the draft Regeneration Strategy for Tolworth for consultation purposes and supported the continuation of the Tolworth Project Member Officer Working Group. Consultation took place between 11 January and 26 February 2010. Updates on the consultation that took place, the responses received and consequent amendments to the Regeneration Strategy were reported. The strategy is scheduled for consideration and adoption by the Executive on 31 March 2010 and the Committee was asked to make any comments for inclusion in the report.

RESOLVED that

1.                  the Executive be advised that the Committee would like the adoption of the strategy deferred from the 31 March 2010 meeting to give an opportunity to incoming Councillors to contribute to this following the election;

2.                  in the event that it is not able to be deferred, the Committee wishes to advise the Executive of their objection to the proposed additional wording in respect of development guidelines for Site 5: Former Government offices site (page 30 of the Strategy document), as follows:

A residential led approach to development whilst recognising that an element of non-residential ‘enabling’ commercial development may be required to unlock this site

REASON FOR DECISION

To provide the Executive with Neighbourhood views.

The Committee was consulted on applications for the replacement of windows and doors with uPVC and asphalt covering to the balcony prior to consideration of the applications by the Development Control Committee.

RESOLVED that the Development Control Committee be advised that the applications are supported.

REASON FOR DECISION

To provide Development Control with the views of the Neighbourhood Committee.

Note: Councillor Frances Moseley declared a personal and prejudicial interest and left the room during consideration of this item. Councillor Yogan Yoganathan chaired this item.

Reason: She sits on the Development Control Committee that will decide the applications.

Objections to the following Tree Preservation Orders were considered.

A.                 No.19:2009 - 13, Sandhurst Avenue, Surbiton, KT5 9BS; intention to fell a Horse Chestnut tree

B.                 No.28:2009 - 15 Corkran Road, Surbiton, KT6 6PL; intention to reduce T.1 (Silver Birch) and T.2 (Lime) trees

C.                No.13:2009 - 2 Berrylands Road, Surbiton, KT5 8RA; neighbour pressure to fell a tree on boundary

D.                No.08:2009 - 22 Corkran Road, Surbiton, KT6 6PN; intention to remove trees in advance of an application to widen the existing vehicular access and construct a drive through to the neighbouring property.

RESOLVED that

1.                  in cases A, B and C that the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames TPO Nos.19, 28 and 13 be confirmed without modification and

2.                  in the case of D that the RBK TPO No.8 be confirmed with modifications:

a.      three trees at the rear of the site agreed for removal on condition of replacements to be planted;

b.       Silver Birch near the existing entrance agreed for removal on condition of three replacement trees; and

c.      the new trees to be detailed in the revised schedules under S198-1(5).

REASON FOR DECISION

To protect trees that are important in the locality and contribute positively to the local character.

A petition was presented to the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee meeting on 30 September 2009 requesting that scheduled cleansing of Raeburn Avenue Recycling Site be introduced to address residents’ concerns about the cleanliness of the site at weekends. At its 4 November 2009 meeting the Committee resolved that a course of actions designed to investigate and address the issues be put in place.

The Committee received updates on the outcome of these actions and considered whether to continue the current cleansing schedule.

RESOLVED that

1.                  the course of actions undertaken to address residents’ concerns regarding the cleanliness of the site be noted;

2.                  the report of no significant flytips or cleanliness issues during the period November 2009 – February 2010 be noted;

3.                  the current increased level of monitoring at this site be continued; and

4.                  the current cleansing arrangements at the Bring Site at weekends be retained.

REASON FOR DECISION

To respond to residents’ issues with the cleanliness of the Bring Site.

Councillor Ian George requested a report on issues surrounding the back alleyways on the Sunray Estate and their maintenance. The Committee was told that an historic issue exists regarding the ownership of the alleyways, in common with most alleyways in the UK. As a consequence of the lack of clear understanding regarding the ownership of these alleyways, it is difficult to accurately determine who is responsible for their maintenance. The Committee was asked to consider a series of actions that could be used to address this.

RESOLVED that

1.                  the historic background on alleyways generally and on their management at Sunray be noted; and

2.                  the following courses of action be agreed:

a.      the Committee fund Land Registry checks for three properties, as a representative sample, at a cost of £21 per property;

b.      once the issue of land ownership has been clarified, the future maintenance of the back alleyways be discussed and agreed with residents in consultation with Ward Councillors;

c.      Committee-funded clean-up days be considered once ownership is determined; and

d.      installing gates on the back alleyways only be considered as a last-resort option.

REASON FOR DECISION

To provide clarity on the ownership of these alleyways and ensure they are appropriately managed.

The Council’s policy for the provision of off-street parking, and the subsequent construction of vehicle crossings, specifies that ‘Short Frontage’ is when the depth of the proposed off-street parking space does not meet the accepted standard of 4.57m. Applications for this type of vehicle crossing are to be rejected; however, the Neighbourhood Committee can consider the history and relevant circumstances of a particular case and designate an individual property, a row of properties or a whole street as being suitable for short frontage parking. Once designated, the application for a property would proceed in the normal way subject to a ‘short frontage agreement’ and other provisions of the policy.

A request has been received for short frontage parking at 15 Dennan Road, where short frontage parking is believed to be appropriate – the road already has a number of properties which have short frontage parking.

RESOLVED that 15 Dennan Road be designated to permit short frontage parking.

REASON FOR DECISION

To decide the application for short frontage parking.

At the 9 December 2009 meeting of this Committee it was resolved that the preparation of draft Traffic Management Orders for the introduction of amendments to the Surbiton (Zone S) controlled parking zone be approved. The draft Traffic Management Order was formally published on 5 February 2010 with a closing date for objections of 26 February 2010. An objection to one of the proposals has been received and the Committee was asked to consider setting this aside to allow the TMO to proceed.

RESOLVED that:

1.                  the objection to the Traffic Management Order to enable the extension of the hours of parking control in Cottage Grove be set aside;

2.                  the Director of Planning and Transportation be authorised to proceed with the implementation of the orders; and

3.                  the objector be informed of the Committee’s decision and the reasons for those decisions.

REASON FOR DECISION

To implement as soon as possible the proposed amendments.

·        Clayhill Halls of Residence: response to petition

·        Christ Church School Working Group Update

RESOLVED that the reports on the following items be noted:

·        Clayhill Halls of Residence: response to petition – the petition is going to the LDF Member Steering Group and results will be reported.

·        Christ Church School Working Group Update