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Proposed back garden development at 200 Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2HU

200 Leatherhead Road development

We are faced with yet another planning application for an opportunist back garden development. This time at 200 Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2HU, adjacent to the existing Fleetwood Close. The proposed development of 2 x three-bedroom houses, 1 x two-bedroom house and 1 x one-bedroom house will bring more cars onto the already busy A243. A considerable disadvantage is that there is no actual access direct from the development to the main road. Access is proposed across an existing eight bay garage forecourt into Fleetwood Close.
Read CDRA’s response to planning application

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Signal Park Phase Two update

Signal Park, Tolworth Phase Two
Image © Countryside Partnerships

The developers are seeking planning permission for Phase Two of this development. A presentation was given by the developers at the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee meeting on 25th March. CDRA is strongly opposed to this application. Residents, businesses and councillors raised concerns regarding the density of the development, its impact on existing residents, GP surgeries, schools and transport, the height of the blocks, and the lack of car parking which is already impacting safety and traffic in the area.
Read update

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What Kingston Thinks

What Kingston Thinks

On 4th March 2025, CDRA attended the presentation by Kingston Giving of ‘What Kingston Thinks’ at the Rose Theatre in Kingston. During 2024, 200 residents were interviewed about what it’s like living and working in the borough. Questions covered topics from mental health and well-being to shops and services, housing to digital connectivity. The insights from this research will shape Kingston Giving’s priorities, with a focus on addressing mental health as the most pressing need identified in the report.
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Giant transformers travel through Chessington

National Grid transformer makes journey
Image © National Grid

Did you know that beneath our feet, over twenty miles of deep underground tunnels are being built as part of a National Grid £1 billion project to rewire south London? The eagle-eyed among you have spotted that signs and lampposts at the Ace roundabout have been removed. This is because some super large loads are traversing the junction as part of this project.
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Valuable free parking spaces at Ace Parade lost

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, and those of residents and businesses, and our local councillors, valuable free parking spaces at Ace Parade, Chessington, will be lost. The Transport for London (TfL)/Zest project to add a further two electric vehicle (EV) charging points is going ahead with works now underway (17th February). We have subsequently heard from TfL that, due to some technical issues during the exploratory works, there will be just one further EV charging point installed. The works are expected to be completed by the end of March.

The petition was to maintain the maximum number of parking bays possible, open to all visitors to the shops and businesses at Ace Parade – especially for patients visiting the Ace Pharmacy.

Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign and signed the petition.

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Kingston’s Children’s Services rated Outstanding by Ofsted

Achieving for children

Kingston Council’s Children’s Services have once again been awarded the highest possible rating by Ofsted, achieving an Outstanding rating across all five areas of assessment for the second consecutive inspection. The services are delivered by Achieving for Children, a social enterprise established by Kingston and Richmond councils in 2014. This is fantastic news for parents, carers, and families in the borough, to help ensure children and young people get a fairer start in life.

The aspirational leadership was commended by inspectors, as well as the highly effective services provided for children throughout the borough. Services were described as ambitious and creative, with staff praised as strong and committed advocates for children and young people.

Ofsted has determined that children and families in Kingston receive significant benefits from highly effective early help services. Family hubs provide a wide range of support, making a notable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.
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Meet Elvis

Elvis the cat

Elvis is the family cat of one of our executive committee members. Like his namesake, he is regularly known to have ‘left the building’ often causing his owners huge anxiety when he doesn’t return when expected. However, they’ve found a solution for peace of mind.
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