Controversial plans to build a 4700sqm Tesco, a four-storey hotel and 269 flats on a Tolworth brownfield site will finally come before councillors.

The site, next to Charrington Bowl, would also include a restaurant, café, and more than 200 parking spaces each for the flats and the supermarket.

A fifth of flats would be designated affordable housing.

Residents are divided by the proposals, submitted a year and a half ago, with Kingston Council having received 50 letters of objection, but 87 in support.

Points of opposition included:

  • The new hotel and supermarket would threaten businesses in Tolworth Broadway
  • Traffic could increase
  • Already-high pollution would be made worse
  • The designs are out of character with the surrounding area

Supporters said they would welcome the generation of new jobs, and that the development would boost Tolworth’s appeal and levels of trade.

The Chessington District Residents’ Association, the Hook Rise South Residents’ Association, and the Kingston Society all oppose the plans.

Transport for London (TfL) objects on safety grounds, while council traffic engineers said more thought needed to be given to the development’s impact on nearby roads and residential parking.

Applicant Spenhill Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tesco.

The company has been involved with residential developments in Streatham and Woolwich, and commercial sites in West Bromwich and Sunderland.

South of the borough councillors will discuss the plans at a meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday, January 15, at Southborough High School.

 

TODAY'S HEADLINES IN KINGSTON UPON THAMES