Local developments
Motspur Park Gasholders - August 2025
PROPOSALS BY BERKELEY HOMES AND SGN TO BUILD 650 NEW HOMES ON THE SITE OF THE MOTSPUR PARK GAS HOLDERS
Where to begin?
As the recent flurry of interest about the development of Motspur Park (spearheaded by Toby Ewin’s enthusiasm) has clarified, prior to the construction of Motspur Park Station, the area was still known as West Barnes.The three gas holders which were built in the 1924, 1932 and 1954 respectively, were known formerly as the Worcester Park Gas Holders.
Originally owned by WANDGAS, the Wandsworth, Wimbledon and Epsom District Gas company - the name of which lives on and is well-known to local youngsters who play football in their grounds and to members enjoying convivial activities in the clubhouse - the holders served a wide area of South London. However, the system of distribution has altered, and gasometers are no longer required, because gas is now stored underground.
Which Borough?
Although the holders are located almost entirely on land owned by Kingston Council, residents of two boroughs, namely Merton and Sutton & Cheam will be impacted heavily, both during construction and after completion.
Who has been consulted?
Despite some well organised public presentations, many of the communities surrounding the proposed development area were not informed and are now sharing information through Residents’ Groups, various WhatsApps and the dedicated website:
motspurparkgasholdersgetinvolved.com
Bearing in mind the need for housing, what are some of the concerns about the Berkeley proposals?
1. Despite assertions in the developer’s publicity, the gasometers are NOT unloved. They are viewed as familiar structures, signalling “home to many, portrayed artistically by urban photographers, and forming the basis of a recent master’s degree in fine arts by Sarah McAlister. Thhe proposed heights are out of keeping and unacceptable. Even though Berkeley’s have discussed reducing from 18 to 16 storeys, this would still overwhelm the local area. The gas holders can be seen from miles around and are an accepted, see-through landmark.
2. There are huge concerns about the inevitable increase in traffic in all the surrounding areas. For instance, the level crossing beside Motspur Park station is already massively congested – and similar problems occur in the other areas which border the site.
3. Although part of the “offer” is an improvement in awareness of biodiversity, this makes no sense in terms of the current situation. The Sparrowfeld Group are concerned about the effect that the development will have on the flourishing bird community, and the Friends of Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields are concerned about the effect on the rich mix of flora and fauna in the wonderful SJHMF.
THE KINGSTON SOCIETY'S POSITION
The Kingston upon Thames Society, founded in 1962 and affiliated to the Civic Trust, is Kingston's major voluntary and independent organisation concerned with planning and conservation. The Society has no statutory right of consultation. A link to their website can be found in the comments.
The mission of the Society is to promote high standards of planning, conservation and design in the Royal Borough. Following the third consultation, the Society has stated the following as its position:
1. As the site is Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), there is a strong presumption against any form of built development. Furthermore, the site is not identified in RB Kingston’s Tall Buildings Strategy as being suitable for the sort of tall buildings that are being proposed. In addition, the PTAL (Public Transport Accessibility Level) for the site is 1 and only reaches 2a/2b closer to Motspur Park Station. The access route for pedestrians to the site from the station is down a long and poorly overlooked path which gives rise to concern about the personal safety of users particularly on winter evenings and nights.
2. For all the above reasons, the Society does not consider the site is suitable for the type and amount of residential development which is proposed. The Society is also aware of the existing and potential nature conservation value of the site with one Site of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINC) being within the red line boundary and another immediately adjoining on the other side Beverley Brook. The brook itself is also of nature conservation value and on a visit to the site which was kindly facilitated by the developer, herons and a peregrine falcon were observed.
3. In light of the above, the Society considers that any development of the site would need to be significantly reduced from the level set out in the pre-application consultation details. It would need to be at a level such that the integrity and value of the wider area of MOL within which the site is located was not compromised and such that the nature conservation interest of the site was not reduced. Indeed, the principles of biodiversity net gain (BNG) would indicate that a positive nature conservation benefit should result.
4. We very much welcome Berkeley’s intention to restore the banks of Beverley Brook and increase public access to it. However, the Society’s view is that any built development of the site should only be considered within the floor plan/site area of the existing gasholders and should be much reduced from the height of the existing gasholders and the heights set out in the pre-application consultation. It is understood that there will be some retention on site of an operational gas facility and clearly there will need to be appropriate safety measures taken including decontamination before an acceptable development proposal can be produced.
WHAT NEXT?
The latest communication we have received from Berkeley Homes indicates that the firm is looking again at some aspects of the plans.
We are aware that Kingston is the planning authority making the decisions, but in this very unusual case, the boundaries, roads and green spaces involved are split between three boroughs, and it is important to ensure the best outcomes for all residents. We will hold a meeting about the development to keep you updated.
Do keep in touch with fast-moving developments via the dedicated website:
motspurparkgasholdersgetinvolved.com
Many thanks to everyone who has attended the various presentations and
responded to the consultation.
Report by Clare and John Townsend on behalf of the RPWBRA.
