Chessington district residents’ association responds to Kingston Council on proposed back garden development at 200 Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2HU.
Planning application number: 24/03179
Generally
We consider this to be an opportunist back garden development of little benefit to the surrounding community. It will be yet more cars accessing the A243. It is also close to
- an existing pelican crossing.
- the busy Garrison Road junction.
- main entrance to the Barwell Estate.
- Chessington School whose pupils extensively use the crossing.
And the pavement both sides have cycle ways.
We are concerned at the ever-increasing amount of traffic using the A243. It is a 7-day a week road with Chessington Garden Centre, Chessington World of Adventure, which is about to extend its range of rides, Lidl; large high sided traffic having to use it instead of the A243; the railhead at Chessington South has opened up. Its main function is as a link road between the M25 and the A3. This will only increase with the recent announcement of extending Gatwick Airport to two runways; all the proposed housing developments proposed for Surrey. The A243 is a main conduit for transport to and from London not just by locals but by commuters from the outer counties.
Access/Cars
A considerable disadvantage is that there is no actual access direct from the proposed new houses to the road network which have to exit across an eight-bay garage forecourt into the back end of Fleetwood Close. The neck of Fleetwood Close is narrow and emergency service vehicles may have difficulty accessing the new development particularly if they have to back out.
- Sprinklers for the house: Is this feasible or desirable?
- Parking on the site: car drivers will have to do some considerable maneuvering to access their allocated parking spots.
- Concerns there may be more than a one car per house use.
- Applicant to prove ownership of access to bin store and non-obstructive storage of same (no blocking of public pavements) on collection days.
- Any affecting covenants on other residents.
- Proof of ownership of the garage forecourts.
Drainage
Kingston Council needs to check if any surface water attenuation required, including for the garage forecourts. The main drain apparently is on the far side of A243 and will need a pumped service as it is shallow. We understand Thames Water is to renew the main drain to A243. Don’t hold your breath though.
Ceiling Heights
- Should be 2.5m minimum.
- Check area under 2.5m to see it qualifies it designation. Must be at least 75% of floor area at 2.5m ceiling height to qualify.
- Is roof height noticeably higher than surrounding ridge levels, as some of the houses have roof space bedrooms.
Ventilation
Downstairs toilets and bathrooms will need mechanical ventilation. Is that really necessary?
Environmental
- PV
- Water storage.
- Anything else?
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
Is stairlift for M4(2) adequate for disabled access?
Sundries
We assume paving between houses is not classified as amenity space, as it’s designated for car parking? Are deep reveals proposed adequate to prevent overlooking?
Response prepared and submitted by R J Ware, executive committee member, Chessington District Residents’ Association.
26th February 2025