Extension to existing garden centre to provide improved cafe and outdoor seating area, new warehouse space, enclosure and extension of existing garden centre sales area and erection of new garden centre concession units and other minor improvement works. KPC responded "Kingston Parish Council appreciates the aims and objectives of this application - that is economic, social and environmental - and the wish to modernise the current garden centre whilst keeping the same scale and not encroaching onto undeveloped land.
However, there is concern about some increase in traffic - 3 concession spaces comprising 502sq m are proposed to be built at the rear of the garden centre. It is not clear what would be sold in these spaces and how much additional traffic will come to these units. Although 3 extra spaces will be provided in the car park, there are also 24 additional ( full time equivalent) staff who are likely to need car park spaces. Although cycling, walking and use of public transport is to be encouraged, the Transport Statement admits that “the private car is likely to continue to be the default mode of travel for the majority of trips to the site location”. Moreover, there is no grass verge on the side of the road where the garden centre is situated, and any pedestrians find access extremely hazardous.
It is not clear why it is felt necessary to remove 7 trees from outside the main entrance - especially since the application states that further tree planting will be accommodated along the frontage of the road. Currently, the trees nicely frame the garden centre entrance and screen the car park. Certainly the garden centre has to be well signed but not at the expense of foliage.
The attention to the lighting is appreciated, and it is understood that, to protect the dark sky, the external lighting will switch off at curfew - is it possible to define “ curfew”?
Finally, there is concern about increased pressure, by additional footfall, on wastewater. Nearby properties have had foul water in their gardens ( most recently in December 2920) connected with blockages in the region of the garden centre. It would be appreciated if this could continue to be investigated with Southern Water in order to improve the situation which could be exacerbated by additional use of the toilet facilities in the garden centre. The current industrial ventilator at the south side of the site has caused a nuisance to the neighbouring property, The Elms, for some years. The current proposal suggests two MHVR systems at the same part of the site. It is felt that not only will these be noisy but will also discharge fumes and stale air into the neighbouring property, affecting wellbeing of the neighbours and their animals. Could consideration be given to re-siting these ventilators so that neighbouring properties are not affected. Application in progress.
