Share your thoughts on Kingston’s plans to strengthen protection of shops
As part of Kingston's continuing support of local businesses, the council is asking for views on extending and renewing local planning controls to protect shops from being converted into housing.
The council is proposing to strengthen an existing planning control, called an Article 4 Direction, to allow even more commercial space in the borough to be protected from a future change of use.
The borough's existing Article 4 expires on 31 July 2022 and the proposed, more extensive, new Article 4 is planned to take effect on 1 August 2022.
Cllr John Sweeney, Portfolio Holder for Business and Leisure at Kingston Council, said:
The pandemic has changed the way we all relate to our local area and has brought to light how important our nearby parades of shops are to us all. This is why we are proposing to extend our current protection from the current 15 larger sites to a fantastic 39 sites, ranging from high streets to small local hubs. By doing this, we will be enhancing our neighbourhoods, protecting jobs and boosting the local economy. Please do get involved and share your thoughts.
Cllr Rebekah Moll, Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and Culture at Kingston Council, said:
“Shops are a key part of our community and local economy, whether it’s your nearby newsagent or a large chain on the high street. I’m keen to hear thoughts on our plans to enhance protection of our shops, large and small. Nationally, this type of policy is becoming more targeted, so we’re being proactive in our approach by listing all of the sites we believe should be safeguarded from development. Now is the time to share your views with us as we plan Kingston’s future together.”
Once all comments are taken into consideration, a report will be taken to the Place Committee on 11 November 2021 for decision.
For more information, visit www.kingston.gov.uk/article4. Share your thoughts by visiting our online engagement portal, emailing localplan@kingston.gov.uk or by post to Strategic Planning, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Guildhall 2, High Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1EU by 5pm on 1 October 2021. If you need the survey in a different format, please call 020 8547 5000.