Policy information sourced from the Kingston Upon Thames Core Strategy

S1 Surbiton Neighbourhood

The Council will:

a. Assess and progress the feasibility of District Heating Networks at Surbiton Station Car Park and the Hogsmill Valley area

b. Manage and reduce the risk of flooding by:

  • ensuring that any future development proposals around the River Thames, Hogsmill River and Surbiton Stream/Tolworth Brook incorporate appropriate flood mitigation measures and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs)
  • working in partnership with Thames Water, stakeholders and the local community to ensure that the former Thames Water Filter Beds and the Hogsmill Valley are enhanced to reduce flood risk and made safe for community use whilst taking account of nature conservation interests

c. Seek to improve access to and the quality of the natural and green environment by:

  • working with partners to provide for nature conservation, leisure and outdoor recreation and an extension of the riverside walk at the former Thames Water Filter Beds. Any proposed extension of the riverside walk shall include a full assessment of the potential impact on biodiversity and nature conservation interests including protected species.
  • enhancing the Hogsmill Valley Walk and biodiversity along the Hogsmill Valley
  • improving allotment facilities and expanding Tolworth Main Allotments
  • working with partners through the implementation of the Council’s Green Spaces Strategy, Parks Management Plans and associated Annual Implementation Plans, to target qualitative improvements at:
    • Elmbridge Avenue Open Space, Rose Walk Open Space, and Raeburn Avenue Open Space
    • Alexandra Recreation Ground and Victoria Recreation Ground to enable submission for Green Flag status
    • Public play areas at Alexandra Recreation Ground

d. Make the most of public transport services at Surbiton District Centre and enhance local accessibility further by:

  • implementing a major scheme in Victoria Road and around the railway station to enhance the public realm, making cycling and walking more attractive options
  • seeking increased train capacities and the rezoning of Surbiton Station in order to make prices fairer and more affordable and improve the attractiveness of the area as a business location
  • working with partners to improve integration at Surbiton Station with other modes of transport including providing adequate secure cycle parking facilities and improving signage to nearby bus routes and facilities
  • continuing to manage on-street parking to prevent commuter parking particularly around the Town Centre and railway station and support a reduction in parking capacity at the station
  • addressing poor levels of transport accessibility in Berrylands by improving local walking and cycling routes and working with partners to enhance local bus services
  • promoting the use of green vehicles and providing the appropriate infrastructure such as electric vehicle charging points around Surbiton District Centre

e. Enhance and protect Surbiton’s architecture and local identity by:

  • ensuring that future development in Surbiton Neighbourhood relates to the existing character (set out in the Borough Character Study) in terms of design, scale, massing, height, density, layout, materials and colour. This will be achieved through joint working with public and private partners to promote and manage development opportunities, in particular at Surbiton District Centre, Surbiton Car Park, Surbiton Hospital, the Hogsmill Valley and Tolworth Broadway sites.
  • safeguarding and improving features that contribute positively to the leafy character of the Surbiton Neighbourhood by seeking to retain large gardens and plot sizes, and where appropriate, enhancing important ecological and landscape features, in particular the River Thames, the former Thames Water Filter Beds, Alexandra Recreation Ground, Fishponds Park and Hogsmill Valley
  • ensuring that future development relates to the existing natural and built environment, including important skyline views and landmarks such as the Clock Tower, Surbiton Railway Station and St Andrew’s Church

f. Enhance housing options in the Neighbourhood by:

  • working with developers and landowners to provide a range of housing development sites, with higher density dwellings in and around Surbiton District Centre and railway station and lower density dwellings outside the District Centre
  • ensuring, through partnership working, that the demand for present and future student housing is met, through seeking limited opportunities at Seething Wells Campus and expansion adjoining Clayhill Campus in Hogsmill Valley area

g. Work with partners to protect and deliver sufficient and appropriate employment land and premises by:

  • supporting the retention and provision of smaller, stand alone employment sites in Surbiton and resisting changes of use in these areas
  • seeking to exploit rail connectivity to promote Surbiton District Centre as an area for economic growth

h. Maintain and enhance Surbiton’s Retail, District and Local Centres’ facilities and services by:

  • supporting in principle an increase in the range and quality of convenience goods in Surbiton District Centre
  • ensuring that the creation of a safe and attractive environment is delivered through implementation of the Surbiton Town Centre Improvement Strategy
  • improving the range of shops and the quality of the Local Centres at:
    • Chiltern Drive - Expansion of the catchment population and/or consolidation of the retail activity in a particular area
    • Berrylands Road - Expansion of retail or evening economy uses
    • Ewell Road North - Addition of a modestly sized foodstore
    • Ewell Road South - Addition of a suitably sized Convenience Store

i. Work in partnership with local health providers to develop modern healthcare facilities and GP surgeries at Surbiton Hospital

j. Accommodate additional school places at primary and secondary school level by:

  • working with partners to support a delivery programme for expanding existing primary schools, recent examples include providing a new primary school at the Surbiton Hospital Site
  • supporting opportunities for the expansion of Hollyfield Secondary School

k. Address the lack of community facilities by investigating the co-location of facilities and services within a Community Hub in the area, including potentially at Sessions House on Ewell Road

For more information please see the Kingston Upon Thames Core Strategy