Developers want to demolish a two-storey, detached family home and build a three storey block of flats inspired by Surbiton railway station.

The art deco style development – two one-bed studio flats in a basement, and two one-bed and three three-bed apartments across a further three floors – would be built in Oak Hill Grove within a Local Area of Special Character opposite The Wood and Richard Jefferies Bird Sanctuary in the Oakhill Conservation Area.

Neighbours oppose the plan which they say would overlook their properties, be overbearing, overdeveloped and out of character with the surrounding properties.

“The size of the building overall is too large,” said neighbour Dr Ali Al-Assam. “In every elevation, it is simply out of proportion to neighbouring dwellings and the development is completely out of character, compared with other buildings in Oak Hill Grove and adjacent roads.”

Dr Al-Assam said citing the railway station as the inspiration for the art deco style was a red herring.

“Surbiton station is a commercial building, far removed from the current site. There are no buildings (and particularly no residential buildings) of a similar style in the vicinity.”

You can view the plans on Kingston Council’s website at publicaccess.kingston.gov.uk/online-applications Search for 21/01585/FUL 

You can also contribute your comments. The consultation deadline is July 8.

Pictures: Top, the developer’s view of how the art deco style building could look. Inset, how the plot looks now.