Plans for Eden Campus revised in response to residents’ concerns
Kingston Council has received an amended planning application for the proposed Eden Campus in Kingston town centre in response to councillor and resident concerns
Councillors and residents raised concerns about the height of some of the proposed buildings, as did Historic England, while welcoming and recognising the overall boost to the local economy by Unilever expanding its presence in the borough.
However, councillors are concerned that the reduction in height may result in a lack of affordable housing provided through the development. The financial viability of the amended proposal will be scrutinised by the Council’s external consultants.
Cube Real Estate’s amended planning application for the site has been received today as part of the formal planning process and will now be shared for public consultation.
Kingston Council Leader, Caroline Kerr said:
“We listened to feedback from residents and key stakeholders and asked for revised, more acceptable plans to be submitted for consultation. In terms of height and impact these changes are welcomed. However, we remain concerned that this means that affordable housing has now been removed from the plans.”
The revised plans will now form part of the formal planning process and will go forward for public consultation and scrutiny. They will be available on the council’s planning portal by Wednesday 9 December 2020.
The plans for the new Eden Campus will bring more than 2,000 jobs and include office space, parking designed for electric vehicles and sustainable travel and a new residential building.