Kingston Council's Failure to Update Local Plan Leaves Borough Vulnerable to Developers
Kingston Council has been accused of leaving the borough "at the mercy of developers" due to its failure to adopt an updated Local Plan, a critical blueprint that guides housing and infrastructure development. The council's current plan was adopted in 2012, despite initial promises to publish a new version by late 2021 or early 2022. This delay means Kingston lacks an updated framework to address housing needs, identify suitable development sites, and establish necessary infrastructure and environmental protections.
Legal Requirements and Consequences of Delay
Councils in England are legally mandated to review their Local Plans at least every five years to ensure they effectively manage housing, infrastructure, and environmental concerns. Kingston's failure to update its plan has triggered a "presumption in favour of sustainable development," making it significantly harder for the council to refuse planning applications. This legal presumption tilts the balance in favor of developers, especially as Kingston cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, further easing the path for planning approvals, including on green belt land.
Political Criticism and Developer Exploitation
Members of Kingston and Surbiton Conservatives have sharply criticized the Liberal Democrat-run council for this oversight. Gia Borg-Darcy, chair of the local Conservatives, labeled the situation as "incompetence and negligence," arguing that the council had eight years to act but failed to do so. David Phillips, Deputy Chair, highlighted that the outdated plan increases the likelihood of developers winning appeals against refused applications, particularly concerning given Kingston's inadequate infrastructure, such as unreliable public transport and congested roads.
Developers are actively exploiting this vulnerability. For instance, application documents for projects like the redevelopment of the former Chessington Golf Centre with 256 homes and plans for 586 homes in Motspur Park cite Kingston's outdated policies as justification, arguing they should carry limited weight in planning decisions. David Phillips described the council's refusal of the Motspur Park application as "completely performative," predicting approval on appeal due to the borough's weak planning stance.
Council Response and Future Timeline
A Kingston Council spokesperson defended the delay, citing significant national and regional planning policy changes, including amended housing targets and reviews of the London Plan. The council emphasized the need to "get it right" to guide development appropriately over the next two decades. Public engagement began in 2019, with a consultation from November 2022 to February 2023 attracting 2,900 online visits and 340 responses.
The council plans to publish the final draft of the Local Plan for public consultation this summer, aiming to submit it to the Planning Inspectorate by year-end for approval, with adoption expected next year. In the interim, planning applications will be assessed based on existing national and regional policies, such as the National Planning Policy Framework and the current London Plan.
Call for Transparency Ahead of Elections
Gia Borg-Darcy and David Phillips have urged the council to release the final draft before the local elections on May 7, enabling residents to make an informed choice. They warn that without an updated plan, Kingston faces uncontrolled development in unsuitable areas, straining already inadequate infrastructure and threatening community character and green spaces.
