Local developments

Berkeley's 586 Flats at Motspur Pk Approved

Residents are probably aware that, following the rejection of Berkeley’s planning application by the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames’ Planning Committee, the application was “called in” by the GLA Mayor.

Berkeley's planning application is for 586 flats to be built on the Gas Holder Site, at Motspur Park.

Therefore, a public meeting at the GLA City Hall was held on 21 July 2026 to decide on the application.

Jules Pipe, the London Deputy Mayor for planning and regeneration was in charge of the hearing.

Powerful, informed representations were made by Leonie Cooper, the Assembly Member for Merton and Wandsworth, Mike Freter, resident of the nearby development The Hamptons, Rebecca Hogan, Marina Road representative and the following councillors: James Giles, Kingston Independent Residents’ Group, Mariam Hakim, West Barnes and Callum Morrissey, Motspur Park & Old Malden East.

This was a skilled cross-borough, cross-party group of concerned local people.

Between them they raised issues about biodiversity, traffic, residents’ safety,  construction disruption, the fact that the site is Metropolitan Open Land and the unacceptable height of the 16 storey block.

When questioned by the Deputy Mayor, the Berkeley representatives insisted that a reduction in height would lead to fewer dwellings and that the scheme would not then be workable. They had revised their plans to meet the various concerns raised by RBK officials and believed that the scheme should proceed as amended.

After retiring to consider the evidence from all sides, the Deputy Mayor decided that, with the need for housing a priority, the Berkeley plans should proceed. Although Kingston Council had rejected the plan, Jules Pipe ruled that it “would not result in substantial harm to the openness of the MOL” (Metropolitan Open Land) .