Plans to redevelop the Motspur Park Gas Holder site have been blocked by Kingston Council following months of opposition from local residents
The proposed development raised concern among people living nearby, who argued it was too large for the site and would put pressure on local infrastructure.
Kirstie Wilkins, chair of the Station Estate Residents Association in Kingston, representing 117 residents, said: “This decision is a real relief for local people.
The planning committee recognised that the scheme was simply too big and too tall for the site, and that the infrastructure to support it isn’t in place, particularly with no planned changes to local traffic modelling from Transport for London.”
Wilkins also raised concerns about the cumulative impact of new housing in the area, with another major development already underway nearby.
“To add another 1,800-plus residents into the area is bonkers,” she said.
Residents engaged with the developer during two public consultation events but also organised independently.
Residents held meetings and contacted councillors and planning officers to raise objections. Conservative council candidates Rob Smith and Terry Paton supported residents during the process.
They said the decision showed the impact communities can have when they come together.
The plans were also criticised by Paul Kohler, MP for Wimbledon, who wrote to Kingston Council describing the proposal as “clearly excessive for this site” and urging it to be rejected.
While the application has now been refused, the future of the site remains unclear. The developer could appeal the decision or submit revised plans.
Kingston Council was contacted for comment.
