Supporting arguments?
We haven't heard anything compelling as to why our Councillors are minded to approve this development, but here are our comments on some of what we have heard.
"This is now the third scheme with a tower redesign by new architects - it is time we put this through"
The developer decides how to brief their architect; whether or not to take on board the views of residents; and what scheme they submit to planning. If they fail - then the responsibility is theirs alone. Our task is to judge the scheme against policy and what is acceptable. This is no time to compromise in our responsibility to uphold standards and protect this market town from unwanted development.
"If you don't like this you can always vote us out in 4 years time"
Here is the problem: These buildings will be with us for a generation or more. That is what is at stake here. This is why this issue is so far above politics. We will live with this for a very long time. Its about our future and children's future.
"I dont want to live in a museum"
We are not saying Kingston should live in the past or that it should not change.
We are not anti development nor anti modern. But there is a strong case for appropriateness to site and context.
We simply believe that what Kingston needs is reasonable, balanced growth on a human scale. We want a walk-able town that we love to live in, that is safe and healthy for our children, that revitalizes community and culture, and that engages in sustainable practices that make Kingston a vibrant and resilient town center for decades to come.
We are not anti development nor anti modern. But there is a strong case for appropriateness to site and context.
We simply believe that what Kingston needs is reasonable, balanced growth on a human scale. We want a walk-able town that we love to live in, that is safe and healthy for our children, that revitalizes community and culture, and that engages in sustainable practices that make Kingston a vibrant and resilient town center for decades to come.
"We need to reclaim the town center from yobbos"
Putting the offensiveness of this statement to one side, this goal - whether you agree with it or not - is so sweeping and generic it can't be used to appraise this specific proposal.
"This site needs to be reclaimed and put to good use"
We couldn't agree more. We look forward to seeing this unloved part of Kingston being put to good use. But that doesn't mean any proposal is welcome.
"The Viability report"
We have heard the concept of viability being used to try to justify much that is wrong with this proposal. Experts say viability should never be used as an excuse to build something that would otherwise be considered unacceptable.
"Kingston must plan for population growth"
We acknowledge the dire need for more housing in the borough, but we would remind everyone that this single sensitive site should not be required to unreasonably solve this issue that applies to the whole borough. Furthermore it is entirely possible that in trying to solve todays problems, we create a whole set of new problems for tomorrow. This is our point - we are trying to avoid the problems that come with living in over-dense, non human scaled, unpleasant environments.
"We have to take a balanced view"
We very much hope a balanced view will be taken. Weighing all of the points we have made on this page and elsewhere.
Respecting the planning system; Respecting views of residents; Respecting the setting and context. Respecting existing building heights.
Respecting the planning system; Respecting views of residents; Respecting the setting and context. Respecting existing building heights.
