Chessington District Residents' Association
Working for the residents in the South of the Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Kingston Council has issued an update on the borough’s long‑delayed new Local Plan, following the Place Committee meeting on 5th February 2026. Every council must have a Local Plan to set out how the area will develop in the years ahead. Kingston’s has been repeatedly delayed, but the council says work is now underway on a new plan that will outline what the borough will look like over the next 20 years.
The Friends of King Edward’s Park – a growing group of local volunteers who came together in May 2025 – are keen to welcome new members.
The Friends formed in response to the recent investment in the park by Kingston Council, donated to and championed by a board member of local property company Ransoms.
Three Sussex cows were released onto Tolworth Court Farm Fields on 10th February 2026, marking the first time in over fifty years that cattle have grazed here. The animals are free‑roaming and will eventually be joined by pigs for a couple of months each year. Their different grazing habits will boost plant diversity, aerate the soil and create a mosaic of habitats. Together, they will help shape a dynamic ecosystem within Kingston’s largest nature reserve, restoring ecological balance and supporting a healthier environment for wildlife and people.
Free travel for older residents in Chessington is under pressure as London’s Freedom Pass faces renewed examination. The scheme, funded by all 33 London boroughs, is set to cost £372m from April — an 11.8% rise — leading councils to warn that the current model is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.
Kingston Council’s Community Safety Team wants to hear from you. Their 2025/26 survey is now open, and residents aged 16+ have until 25th March to share views on safety across the borough. Your input directly guides local priorities and partnership work.
The historic drinking fountain at King Edward’s rec has been given a new lease of life thanks to a joint restoration project by Kingston Council and the Heritage of London Trust. Once one of hundreds across London, the 1906 fountain had fallen into disrepair after decades of disuse. Now fully restored – complete with new granite carvings, fresh gilding and updated plumbing – it once again stands proud in Chessington, celebrating over a century of local history.
Walking football is one of the fastest growing sports on the planet. In the UK alone, there are more than 1,500 clubs and around 90,000 people take part. The rules couldn’t be simpler: it’s football played at a gentler pace, with no running and no physical contact.
We’re delighted to be able to provide two new community benches for the residents of Chessington as part of CDRA’s 50th anniversary this year. The benches – one at Hook Parade and one at North Parade – were installed in November. We hope they will offer residents a lasting place to pause, reflect and connect.
This Christmas, Kingston Giving is calling on local residents and businesses to support their Everyone Deserves a Better Christmas campaign to fund 20 community grants focused on strengthening family wellbeing.
Local residents have expressed concerns to CDRA regarding the increase in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Chessington. One specific case involves a former family home on Hook Road that has recently been converted into an HMO following a loft extension and rear development.