Campaigners fighting the redevelopment of the old Motspur Park gas holders site have lost their case.

Kingston Council had already opposed plans by SGN and Berkeley Homes to build over 580 homes across 5 tower blocks.

But the decision was ultimately called in by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and Deputy Mayor for Housing Jules Pipe, this morning, ruled the development can go ahead.

He did note campaigners’ concerns about large tower blocks in a predominately flat area were justified, but decreed the need for more homes was greater.

Mr Pipe also said that developments need to go in places where the transport structure is already in place, although some people living on the Sutton side of the development argue this is not the case for them.

Leader of Kingston Council’s Independent Resident’s group, James Giles says there’s not a lot that can be done to fight the plans now. He’s been speaking with Jackie’s Lucy Mayer.

We’ve contacted the Mayor’s office, SGN and Berkeley Homes for comment.

Berkeley Group and SGN says on its Gas Holders project website:

The development has been assessed against London Plan Policy and RB Kingston’s local Development Plan. While RB Kingston’s local plan doesn’t allocate the site for tall buildings, this pre-dates the London Plan. A tall buildings assessment under London Plan Policy concludes that it is suitable given the existing gas holders reach 59m, 49m, and 26m in height and is in a sustainable location. The proposed buildings range from 8 to 16 storeys, with taller blocks placed to the north near Motspur Park Station to provide wayfinding from the station and reduce impact toward Beverley Brook. Visual assessments are contained within the planning application from various viewpoints in Kingston, Merton, and Sutton to outline the proposed changes to the townscape. Overshadowing analysis confirms no material impact on the Beverley Brook or SINC. The architecture maintains distinct identities across blocks while forming a coherent family of buildings. Secure by Design has been considered as part of pre-application engagement and feedback integrated to ensure safety and wellbeing for residents.

The proposal has been refined in consultation with RB Kingston and Design South East Design Review Panel to prioritise local character and wellbeing, with over 1.6 acres of new public realm, an improved biodiversity corridor along the Beverley Brook, and enhanced connections to surrounding green space. The development replaces redundant infrastructure with high-quality housing, contributing to local and national housing needs while also improving biodiversity.