Please read my latest blog post: bit.ly/SlowBoattoKIngston

Is the plan is to make Kingston in to a new self-contained City, ("CIty in the West"), with no intention of any commitment to increase or improve connections to London?

We face many, many flats and many, many commercial premises linked by cycle lanes and bus routes between New Malden, Kingston, Tolworth and Chessington, and no promise of any improved rail connections, apart perhaps longer trains.

Network Rail says in its response to the Early Engagement consultation for Kingston council's draft local plan we will need longer trains EVEN if we get Crossrail 2 ("CR2")

Imagine a scenario with all the planned development in Kingston and NO CR2

There is little mention of how Kingston residents will be able to get quickly in to London. In fact, they mention walking, cycling and buses "to surrounding areas" over and over again

The word "train" is noticeably absent, and CR2 is hardly mentioned. If it comes, it won't come until very late 2030s at the earliest

Here is an excerpt from the TfL response:

"The Local Plan should require developers to consider borough-wide transport networks, local bus networks, pedestrian desire lines to/from/within the development and how it links to surrounding areas.

Walk and cycle routes should be developed to optimise connectivity around the site and to town centres (region wide) as set out in the London Plan and MTS. We will continue to work with the Council to create an integrated cycle and walk network in the borough. In particular, continued collaboration to deliver the Go Cycle Programme will continue to improve cycle routes across the borough."