Objectors made heartfelt pleas with councillors to reject a proposal which could “damage” Kingston's heritage.

Surrey Comet:

The consultation run by St George at the beginning of the year

Previously claimed to look “like the gates of Mordor”, the latest planning application put in by developer St George for the old post office site in Ashdown Road was discussed at a packed council meeting on Wednesday night.

Boos and grumbles echoed from the public gallery throughout discussions, where almost every seat was taken.

George Innes, who has lived in Kingston for years, told councillors: “You are our elected councillors and it is your responsibility to reflect our views. We are not too proud to plead with you. Please reject this scheme.”

Applause from the public gallery boomed throughout the room.

The meeting was solely to discuss the new planning application which was said to be “changing height like a yoyo,” according to Kingston Residents’ Alliance member Mediha Boran.

When proposals were first submitted a tower with 21 storeys was planned before this was scaled down to 19 storeys with the current proposal for four to 16 storeys for residential use, a restaurant, an office space, leisure or retail use and car parking.

Councillor Phil Doyle, speaking to the committee, said: “Kingston is a historic market town and an important part, a very important part, of England’s heritage and that mustn’t be damaged.”

Objector Tessa Kind said, if built, the tallest point would be visible from Hampton Court and Richmond Park.

At a meeting in June, police were called to the Guildhall and security also appeared heavier than usual on Wednesday night.

But apart from regular noises of disapproval, extra security was not needed.

A presentation given by St George took note of the consultations undertaken to change plans to reflect residents’ views.

It emphasised the change in height, open space, greenery and trees which would be brought in to “humanise” streets, if approved.

Andrew Taylor from St George said: “There's a very strong and robust logic to the master plans.”

Kingston resident Sarah Williams said: “I wanted to support the development in part for the community space that this development is going to bring.

“I feel personally that there’s not enough community space in Kingston.”

Objector Tony Lancaster brought a bag of parsnips to help make his point “fine words butter no parsnips”.

He concluded with: “Please, St George, go away. Or do it right and do right by us.”

Councillor Jon Tolley, who lives a few doors down from the site, urged councillors to reject the proposal and told St George: “It was a very slick presentation, but I don’t believe that that’s what you believe about the area.”

A final decision will be made at the next development control committee on November 5.