This is an archive page to show the scheme as it was when we consulted the public in Summer 2023, but do not necessarily reflect the proposal now in Summer 2024.  At the end of this page, there are also links to an update provided to the public in Summer 2023, and a record of the consultation event from that time.

Pines and Needles is applying for retrospective planning for its use of the Riverhill Yard as a Christmas tree nursery of plants and saplings, storage and distribution depot.

Pines and Needles is the Premier Christmas Tree grower and retailer for Christmas Trees in London and the South, providing the finest and freshest trees. Founded by brothers Josh and Sam Lyle back in 1995, whilst they were still teenagers, they have built a British brand with a Scottish heritage.

Riverhill Yard is needed to store the trees, prior to being shipped to individual stores, or direct to customers.  Locally, we sell trees at The Hawker Centre in Kingston, Bushy Park, Richmond rugby club, Wimbledon Park, Acton Green Common in Chiswick, and Richmond Park.

Riverhill Yard is located within the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames and is designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), an area of archaeological significance and lies within Flood Risk Zones 2 and 3.  However, this is previously developed land, and this application will have no greater impact on the openness of the MOL.  Whilst any development on the site constitutes harm under the MOL, the harm is minimal and localised given the existing condition of the site, and very special circumstances exist to mitigate this harm.

The site is accessible from the lane that serves Rokeby Sports Ground, Surbiton Town Sports Club and the adjacent residential development.

We are seeking to regularise our facility for the storage and distribution of Christmas Trees, and any other ancillary equipment. The primary use of the site is for storage and distribution (Class B2 and B8), although there are some offices and a workshop within the western and northern portions of the site.  There will be space set out for HGVs and vans loading and unloading on the site.  There are also 14 cycle spaces.

We will be removing the existing bund along the western boundary and extending the bund along the northern boundary.  We will also be putting in significant landscaping to protect the openess of the MOL, and urban greening as a fundamental element of the site design.

The nature of the site for the storage of Christmas trees provides a forestry-like appearance, which integrates with the MOL and the adjacent foliage.  It improves the existing derelict hardstanding, as recommended by policy for this type of land.

  The site has previously been used as a garden centre, with a shop, car park and open display areas - the application for this was granted in 1996.

  In 2013, another application was granted for hardstanding, a compound fence, two steel containers, a diesel tank and two oil tanks, two office cabins, a perimeter bunding, storage, loading bay and 3 scaffolding racks.

  In 2014, an application was granted for a greenhouse structure.

  In 2015, a prior approval application was granted to convert some of the storage to a residential home.

Our carefully designed Christmas tree nursery of plants and saplings, storage and distribution facility will make the most of an underused derelict site, provide jobs, safeguard trees and protect the openness of the Metropolitan Open Land.

We have significant landscaping proposed, that will maximise Urban Greening Factor (UGF) and Biodiversity Net Gain.

Below are some of the current site images.