Kingston Labour and the Conservative parliament candidate have criticised plans by developer Solum to build up to 17-storey block of flats and a multi-storey car park. 

The proposal by developer Solum is a partnership between Kier Property and Network Rail. The plans are for 243 new flats in buildings between six up to 17 storeys high, with a 250-space multi-storey car park replacing the 446 spaces on the current surface car park. 

Helen Edward, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Kingston & Surbiton, said: "A 17-storey tower next to Surbiton Station is far too tall. Too often developers play games by proposing ridiculous heights, so it looks like they have listened when coming back and reducing by a few storeys." 

Ms Edward criticised a 17 storeys tower as "ridiculously tall", arguing the developers need to have a "complete re-think" before consulting residents again. 

Ms Edward added: "A 17-storey tower in that position would set a dangerous precedent and open up the likelihood of a further cluster of extremely tall towers in Surbiton."

Planning documents. (Photo: Solum)

Kingston's Labour Party said it was also "concerned", adding the proposal "might be better" in keeping with the height of the neighbouring blocks of Glenbuck Court (five) and Wellington Court (five).   

The Party added it will be watching very closely to ensure that the Council holds the  

developer to its obligations to deliver affordable housing at the levels they have committed to. 

According to an officer at the consultation, only around 10% of the 243 flats would make for affordable housing.  

Kingston Council's Affordable Housing planning document states developments of over 10 units should have 50% affordable properties; This suggests at least 121 of the new homes should be affordable, instead of 24.  

Kezia Coleman, Chair of the Kingston and Surbiton Labour Party, said: "Housing costs in Kingston are extremely high, and for many, the dream of homeownership in the community they call home is out of reach.  

Average flat prices in Kingston in 2023 were £392,374, a good 57.5% higher than the UK average of £249,064. 

Solum's Twickenham development currently has flats starting from £480,000 for sale.  

"The high cost of housing is placing a significant financial burden on many families, causing them to struggle to keep up with expenses," Coleman added. "Labour's comprehensive housing strategy will bring the dream of homeownership to reality." 

While Ms Edwards advocated an "obvious...need to build more homes for local residents, especially affordable homes" she emphasised it should be a "high-quality design that fits in with the surroundings" of Surbiton Station.  

Surbiton development. (Photo: Solum documents)

The Solum developers have said: "Our homes help to improve station developments, with over 50% of profits being reinvested back into the railway, enabling more connected living.

"Our schemes encourage sustainable transport and ease over development in the local countryside and greenbelt sites. By reimagining the role of railway stations and their surrounding areas, Solum is transforming outer-city living. From our apartment interiors to the station environments we create, quality is everything.

"Regeneration plans for the land adjacent to Surbiton station have been unveiled and we want to hear the views of local residents and businesses.

"The plans will deliver high-quality affordable homes for local families, a new 250 space multi-storey car park (MSCP), improved accessibility throughout the site, a refurbished Southern Ticket Hall and improved station forecourts on the north and south station entrances."

Solum has met with Kingston Council in both June and December this year to discuss its proposals. The Council's Design Review Panel assessed the potential plans in August 2023. No formal application has yet been made, but Solum estimates it will submit a planning proposal by April 2024. 

Residents and stakeholders can participate in the consultation to provide feedback in what they would like to see in the redevelopment of the Surbiton Station Car Park and improvements to the station. You can go to the "in-person" consultation session at the former southern ticket hall on Thursday 11 January, 2pm-8pm or give your input via Solum's website : https://surbitonforward.com/consultation/. You can also email them at [email protected] or call 0800 038 5850.