Developers of a controversial town centre high-rise have shaved another three storeys off the plans in a third attempt to appease protesters – but campaigners have argued the changes still do not go far enough.
St George has submitted plans for a residential tower block on the old post office site in Ashdown Road, Kingston, yet again. The first lot proposed a 21-storey tower back in December 2014.
Following public outcry new drawings were released showing a “more elegant and slender” 19-storey block in March. Now, the developer has suggested 16 storeys.
Kingston Residents’ Alliance (KRA), a group of 20 different organisations who have come together to oppose the project, has argued the building would destroy Kingston town centre’s character.
Tessa Kind, from KRA, said: “The new plans are a step forward height-wise, but our main concern is now with the design.
“They have put some metal around the outside that has made it look like it’s in a cage.
“It seems like it is always one step forward and two steps back.”
Members have also taken to the KRA website to complain.
Park Road resident Caroline Scott said: “The revised proposals, while reducing the overall height of the development, remain completely unacceptable.
“The development would be visible from highly sensitive places, such as Richmond Park and the Ancient Market Place.
“The development is too dense and too tall for this location.”
Due to the height reduction, the number of proposed flats in the building has gone down by 22, from 360 to 338.
St George also has up to 49 homes earmarked as affordable – far short of the 50 per cent target for the borough.
A spokesman for St George said: “Since submitting the planning application for the old post office in December 2014, St George has continued to listen to feedback from the community, stakeholders and statutory consultees.
“In response to this feedback, we submitted amendments to the application which improve the development’s design.”
An exhibition of the new plans will be held at the site on September 18 and 19.
- Got a story? Call the news desk on 020 8722 6318 or email rachael.burford@london.newsdesk.co.uk
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