A group of small businesses face being booted out of their properties if plans to redevelop a Kingston industrial site into new houses and modern offices go ahead.

Park Works, which faces Park Road between Brunswick Road and Borough Road, will see 13 houses and 600sq m of office spaces if proposed plans are approved.

In a letter sent to residents close to the site developers Countrywide Design said: "The old industrial site is long past its prime.

"It has fallen steadily into disrepair and is now unsuitable for modern business use.

"The buildings are outdated, badly-maintained, inefficient and all with poor access.

"The proposed redevelopment will greatly lift the attractiveness of the area which has sadly taken on a rundown appearance over the years."

But Gary Kugele, who owns Abbit Models based in Park Works, said: "I am not really happy that I might have to leave.

"I have been here 17 years. It is unfortunate that I might have to move but I suppose you can’t stop progress.

"There are quite a lot of business units in the area but I have dozens of people asking me if there are any units here anymore."

Surrey Comet:

Countrywide Design's plans for Park Works include 13 new houses and 600sq m of office space

There are currently less than 10 businesses in Park Works which will have to be relocated if the new development goes ahead.

Jerry Irving, CEO of Kingston’s Chamber of Commerce, said: "If businesses are being taken out of their premises that is unfavourable as we are short of small business spaces in the borough."

Just over 40 people came to the public consultation held by Countrywide Design on March 21.

Justin Gurney from Countrywide Design said: "We’re really pleased that so many near neighbours visited the exhibition and shared their views with us.

"We are now working with our architects, MAA Architects to finalise the plans and in particular to respond to residents and business owners who made some very helpful and imaginative suggestions for the design of the office building."