Plans for two large blocks of flats in Kingston town centre have been rejected by councillors.

A building containing student flats and a restaurant proposed for Old London Road was rejected for being out of character with the area, and due to fear of overdevelopment, development control committee member Councillor Rachel Reid said.

Coun Reid voted against the motion to refuse the plans, she said.

Councillors also rejected an application for a 97-flat block at Thames Side Wharf.

Coun Reid said: “All of us had a big issue with the fact that the money being secured from them for affordable housing was only £266,000 which was felt insufficient.

“As for the scheme itself, I personally didn’t have a problem with it as I think it is an area in need of development and I liked the idea of the plaza.

“I didn’t vote for refusal as I would’ve preferred a deferral to get more sufficient information on the viability assessment for affordable housing, as that was the only area of the application I had reservations on”.

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An artist's impression of Fenwick Ltd's proposed new building

Mark Fenwick, chairman of Fenwick Ltd, the company behind the Thames Side Wharf plans, said: "I am obviously disappointed with the decision as I have taken great personal interest in the development of this site which has been, for many years, an eye-sore in the centre of Kingston."

A spokesman for Bentall's, owned by Fenwick Ltd, said: "Bentalls’ professional team has worked very closely with RBK to ensure the design and content of the development was in line with the Council’s K+20 Action Plan, which resulted in a recommendation for approval from the chief planning officer.

"In spite of this, the committee last night refused permission.

"The company will now reflect on whether this is the right time to bring this development forward."

 

 

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