The future of our borough is being decided right now. Kingston Council has published its long-awaited new Local Plan for the statutory Regulation 19 consultation. The new Local Plan will shape where new homes go, how green spaces are protected, what infrastructure we get, and how the borough changes over the next 20 years.
Significant developments for Chessington
Despite our councillors and local MP Sir Ed Davey supporting residents against the proposed Hook Park development, this site has been included in the plan. The Hook Park (2000 homes) and Chessington Golf Course (256 homes) sites have been re-designated from Green Belt to Grey Belt. These sites have been allocated as suitable for 52 permanent traveller pitches and for tall buildings.
Crucial stage
This will be the last opportunity for individuals and organisations to influence the plan before it goes to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate. But this consultation is different from ones before.
What is Regulation 19?
Regulation 19 is the final consultation stage for residents, statutory bodies, developers and other organisations to make comments on the legal compliance of the new Local Plan and whether it meets the tests of ‘soundness’ (as laid out in the National Planning Policy Framework paragraphs 36 to 38) before the plan is examined by the Government’s Planning Inspector. This is different from earlier consultations: the Inspector is looking for planning‑based reasons, not simply whether people like or dislike a proposal e.g. is the evidence up to date, the policies justified, is it legal?
Why your voice matters?
We urge you to get involved and speak up for Chessington and the south of the borough community. A short, well‑reasoned comment can make a real difference – whether you care about housing numbers, transport, health and social care, biodiversity, Green Belt, or the character of our neighbourhoods.
Read the Draft Local Plan documents
Read our guide for residents about submitting a comment
Read CDRA’s initial views on the new Local Plan
How to comment
Online: Complete the response form on Kingston Council’s website at www.kingston.gov.uk/localplan.
Email: Send your comments to localplan@kingston.gov.uk.
Post: Send your comments to Spatial Planning Team, The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Guildhall 2, High Street, Kingston KT1 1EU.
In Person: Visit any open library in the borough or the Information and Advice Centre, Guildhall 2, High Street, Kingston KT1 1EU to pick up a feedback form and stamped addressed envelope to return your comments.
NB: Councillor Lorraine Dunstone has confirmed that comments submitted in any format will be fully read and considered, provided they are received by the deadline.
Deadline
The deadline for comments is 11.59pm on Friday 4th September 2026.
Background
Every council must have a Local Plan to set out how the area will develop in the years ahead. Kingston’s has been repeatedly delayed. In February 2026 the council said work was underway on a new plan that will outline what the borough will look like over the next 20 years.
Once adopted, it will replace the existing Core Strategy (2012) and the Kingston Town Centre Area Action Plan (2008). It will guide decisions on housing, employment, infrastructure, open space and community facilities through to 2043, and provide the policies used to approve or refuse planning applications.
Timetable
At February 2026’s Place Committee meeting, the following revised timetable was agreed:
- Q2 2026 – Publication of the draft Local Plan (Regulation 19 consultation)
- Q4 2026 – Submission to the Secretary of State
- Q2 2027 – Examination in Public
- Q3 2027 – Anticipated adoption
This timetable is part of the borough’s Local Development Scheme, which is the council’s timeline for producing strategic planning documents.
We understand from reading the Kingston Society’s website that missing the end of year deadline for submission to the government could require the council to restart plan-making under a new national system, potentially delaying adoption by several years.
Read the Kingston Society’s report on the Local Plan meeting held on 29th July 2026.
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