The Planning Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Wednesday, 10 January 2024, to discuss and decide on several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of planning permission for a new residential dwelling at the rear of 19-23 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, and the delegation of authority to approve the erection of seven affordable residential dwellings at The Mereway Centre, Mereway Road, Twickenham, and the construction of a new two-storey school building for pupils with complex learning difficulties at Strathmore School, 122 Hanworth Road, Hampton. The committee also noted a procedural change regarding the delegation of authority for outstanding planning resolutions.

23/2478/FUL: Rear of 19-23 Friars Stile Road, Richmond

The committee approved planning permission for the demolition of existing garages and the erection of a three-storey, three-bedroom residential dwelling. The decision was made subject to the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure specified Heads of Terms. The arguments for approval centred on the modern design being suitable for the conservation area, the acceptable impact on local parking and traffic, and the provision of an affordable housing contribution. Concerns raised by objectors primarily related to access to parking spaces and the use of the delivery and access space behind commercial units. The committee concluded that a dropped kerb would not necessarily improve pedestrian safety and that congestion was unlikely during the day.

23/0260/FUL: The Mereway Centre, Mereway Road, Twickenham

Authority was delegated to the Head of Development Management to approve the erection of seven part single/part two-storey residential dwellings. This approval is subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement, conditions, and informatives. The primary benefit highlighted was the provision of seven affordable social rent units, including two wheelchair-accessible properties, which will help address the borough's shortage of affordable housing. The development is situated on a brownfield site and is close to parkland. Members also welcomed the proposed biodiversity gain and the creation of a nature strip between the development and the River Crane. The Friends of the River Crane Environment will be consulted on landscaping details.

23/1896/FUL: Strathmore School, 122 Hanworth Road, Hampton

Authority was delegated to the Head of Development Management to approve the construction of a new two-storey building for 25 pupils aged 11-19 with severe and complex learning difficulties. This decision is subject to conditions and informatives. The committee was fully supportive of the proposal, noting that it would provide much-needed specialist learning provision locally, reducing the need for pupils to travel long distances. The design was considered sympathetic to the adjacent Hampton High building, and the development was expected to significantly increase ecological and biodiversity features on the site.

Outstanding Planning Committee Resolutions Report

The committee noted that following the departure of the Assistant Director, Environment & Community Services (Planning & Transport Strategy), delegated authority for progressing planning applications with outstanding matters, such as Section 106 Legal Agreements, will now vest in the Head of Development Management (Richmond). This is a procedural change to ensure these applications can continue to be progressed.