Mayor Sadiq Khan Intervenes in Motspur Park Gasholders Housing Plan

April 29, 2026

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames faces a significant planning shift as Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has intervened in the controversial proposal for 586 new homes at the former Motspur Park gasholders site. This decision overrides Kingston Council's earlier rejection, placing the final say with the Greater London Authority (GLA). The development is set to transform a key local landmark, sparking considerable community debate.

The Details

The Mayor's intervention, formally termed a "call-in," means the GLA will now consider the application from gas firm SGN and developer Berkeley Homes (West London) Ltd.. The proposal involves demolishing three redundant gasholders, built between 1924 and 1954 and unused since 2007, to construct five apartment blocks ranging from eight to 16 storeys in height. Of the 586 planned homes, 175 are designated as affordable units. This contribution is significant, equating to approximately 60 per cent of Kingston's annual housing target and 15 per cent of its yearly affordable housing need. The Mayor cited Kingston Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing supply as a key reason for his decision.

Community Impact

The site, designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), has been a point of contention for local residents and councillors. Over 1,000 objections were submitted against the scheme, raising concerns about the height, scale, and density of the proposed buildings, as well as potential strain on local infrastructure and public transport. Campaigners argue the development is out of character for the suburban area, which is predominantly made up of two-storey family homes. The developers, however, state the plans will transform a redundant site into a new neighbourhood, opening it to the public for the first time in a century.

Planning Your Visit

The development site is the former gasworks at Motspur Park. The nearest railway station is Motspur Park, served by South Western Railway and located in London fare Zone 4. The station is approximately a five-minute walk from the site.

Pro-Tip: For the latest updates on this significant development, residents are encouraged to monitor the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames planning portal (Application Ref: 25/02562/FUL) and local residents' association websites.

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Source Verification

This report is based on data from South London News and other reputable news outlets citing the Mayor of London's decision.

Source Link: https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/planning/planning-applications-and-decisions/public-hearings/motspur-park-gasholders-site-public-hearing

Author

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