Shaping the future of Kingston - planning the next 20 years
Kingston’s communities have an important opportunity to shape the appearance and character of where they live and work by giving their views on a vision for the borough.
The first draft of the new Local Plan, which will be used to assess all future development, has been published setting out where and how we will provide the right homes, jobs, services and address important issues such as climate change and biodiversity, over the next 20 years.
A three-month public consultation has been launched to give as many people as possible an opportunity to say if they support the way housing needs will be met, and give their feedback on a range of other issues such as how we will preserve and enhance the borough’s natural and historic environment, provide sustainable transport, ensure high quality developments and have a thriving economy and vibrant high streets.
Like many other London boroughs, Kingston needs more affordable homes, as many local people currently cannot afford to rent or buy in the borough. There are around 3,500 households on the housing waiting list and over 900 households living in temporary accommodation. There is also a need for more housing which caters for different needs, including for families, older people and people with disabilities. Improving the ongoing supply of a range of new and affordable homes, in the right places, is a key aim of this plan.
This first draft of the new Local Plan has already been informed by two previous phases of community engagement, in 2019 and 2021, when many people shared their aspirations and ideas for the future of the borough.
Councillor Roger Hayes, Kingston Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and Community Engagement, said:
“We must make sure this is a Local Plan which meets Kingston’s needs. We cannot achieve our much-needed goals through wishful thinking and hoping that it will somehow all just turn out okay. We want to hear your thoughts and ideas so that we create a compelling 20-year vision of the place we all want to live, work, visit and study in. A place that understands and treasures its history, cares passionately about both its built and natural environment and is confident of its future.
“With the help of everyone who loves this area we can shape the future together and ensure that this Local Plan has the lasting effect we all desire.”
The new Local Plan will be used to assess all future planning applications so it’s important communities get involved and have their say on what they want the borough to be like in the future.
A series of online and in-person events will be taking place to support the consultation, which is open until 28 February 2023. To find out more and give your comments visit www.kingston.gov.uk/localplan