Kingston upon Thames Society Committee: September 2013

September was a relatively quiet month for the Committee and while we had our usual expansive discussion there were no significant disagreements.

History of the Society book

We spent the first hour of the meeting on an animated discussion on an issue regarding the funding of the History of the Society book which led to an uncontested vote so there was no real need for the discussion and even less need for the animation.

I made a note to myself to promote the book on our website.

Planning Matters

An application had been submitted for the Alexander Tavern in Park Road (13/12680). This would convert the pub in to flats, add a block of flats facing Park Road and add four 4 bedroom houses on Tudor Road.

The loss of the pub was regretted, and the application would have to justify that, but we liked the scheme in principle. At that time we did not have the plan drawings to assess the design of the proposed buildings.

Richmond Park Tavern (13/12322). Decision still not made, still in consultation even though it was due to complete July!

The planning application for the former Regal Cinema on Richmond Road was expected soon and we were keen to see the detail having liked the basic approach (retain the main building as a period venue paid for by flats on the roof).

The architects for the scheme had recently completed a sympathetic update at the Hammersmith Apollo.

Balfour Beatty had been appointed as the main contractors for the works at the Market Place.

Townscape Awards

Suggestions for townscape awards are coming in, still time for more.

Heritage Open Days

More congratulations had been received for the HODs people.

The Committee discussed things that we would like to build on for next year's event and it was agreed that we should make more of an effort to use HODs to recruit members to the Society.

Other news

In 2014, Ride London would be on 10 August. This would have a significant impact on retail in Kingston because of the route.

The Society needed to engage with the mini-Holland team so that our views can be included in the plans for improving cycling facilities in and through Kingston.