Surbiton property developer CNM Estates has pledged to involve residents more after its latest plans were rejected in an expensive appeal process.

The plans to build a pub, shops and 61 homes on the former Red Lion pub site in Tolworth were refused by Kingston Council last year but the developer fought its decision and lost this week.

After a site visit last month, an independent planning inspector decided four of the houses were too close and overbearing on neighbours, who would be “dwarfed” by the building.

But he ruled that the size and design of the flats and frontage along Ewell Road was acceptable, something which had been criticised by councillors.

The decision was a costly blow to CNM Estates, which will revise the plans before resubmitting them later this year.

Managing Director Wahid Samady said he was “disappointed” with the result. He said: “It has cost me a huge amount of money. It would be expensive for anyone, let alone a small company like us.

“I’m a local developer and whether it’s apparent or not, I really care about the surroundings in this area, and do good designs and good jobs.”

He said his company would meet residents and councillors to hear their concerns but the main building design was likely to remain unchanged.

Resident Jane Bransby, who helped set up a residents’ association to fight the plans, said the buildings were too large, the car park entrance was dangerous and feared the shops would stand empty, points that were not accepted by the inspector.

She added: “There was quite a strong strength of feeling in this area. We are hoping if there are new plans, we will be consulted more.”

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