Appeal against Refusal of the Lower Marsh Lane Planning Application

Action required by 1st December

What were the original applications?
What is the appeal?
Where can I find out more?
What has been said so far in the Spring Grove area?
How can I make my views known?

What were the original applications?

Applications were submitted both in 2002 (RBK ref:02/16099) and in March 2004 (RBK ref:04/16110/OUT) to redevelop part of the Thames Water sewage works adjacent to the Clayhill Campus to build a student village. Specifically the second application was for demolition of existing buildings and the erection of up to 20,400 square metres of new floorspace comprising:

• 16 four-storey residential buildings for 716 students
• 4 three-storey buildings with studio accommodation for 144 key workers
• parking for 151 cars
• a 1-2 storey doctor’s surgery/health centre with parking for 32 cars
• a single storey youth centre
• an all-weather sports pitch
• associated access and highway improvements to Lower marsh Lane
• footpath improvements to Berrylands station and implementation of the Hogsmill Walk and landscaping

The applications were made by Attis Real Weatheralls on behalf of Spritbond Student Housing Limited and Kingston University.

The first application was refused by Kingston Council in March 2003 and the second in July 2004. The main reason for the second refusal was "because its siting, scale, layout and height was deemed unsatisfactory in terms of the relationship between built development and open space and would adversely affect the open character of this area of Metropolitan Open Land and have an adverse visual impact contrary to Council Policy".

Spiritbond and Kingston University have appealed against the decision of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames to refuse outline planning permission. They also wish their earlier appeal for student accommodation on the on the same site to be determined at the same Public Inquiry.

The inquiry will be held in 2005 but a date has not yet been set.

You can see full copies of the plans and the Development Control Committee report on the planning application dated 5 July 2004 (ref 04/16110) at the Environmental Services Reception, 2nd floor Guildhall from 9am to 4.45pm (Mon-Thurs) and 9-4.30pm (Mon-Fri). Information is also available at Kingston and Surbiton libraries.

Details of the plans can also be found on the website http:\\isis.kingston.gov.uk (search for sewage works Lower Marsh Lane) while the committee report and minutes are also available on the Council website www.kingston.gov.uk under Committee minutes/agenda. Enquiries about the appeal can be made to Kingston Council (Karen Perry on 020-8547-5418 or Pat Loxton 020-8547-5420).

The subject was discussed at the annual general meeting of the Spring Grove Residents Association on 29 April 2004 and in a survey of all residents conducted by the committee in June 2004. The Committee then sent a letter summarising the views of the residents to the Council. Points made both for and against the application were included in the letter though the weight of opinion was heavily against the application. Click here to read the full text of the letter.

There are several ways to do so. You can:

• write directly to the Planning Inspectorate by December 1st. Please send 3 copies of your views and quote the reference APP/Z5630/A/04/1163492 to:
  The Planning Inspectorate
  Room 3/24 Hawk Wing
  Temple Quay House
  2 The Square
  Temple Quay
  Bristol BS1 6PN
  
  
• Contact any committee member (names and addresses are listed in Springboard) before November 25th.
• email us by clicking here
• Use the forum on this website to air your views