The Planning Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council approved plans for the conversion of Kingston Bridge House into a hotel and residential apartments, and for the refurbishment of Heatham House to create a Family Hub and outdoor nursery. The committee also confirmed a Tree Preservation Order on a horse chestnut tree at 19 Queens Road, Twickenham.

Kingston Bridge House, Church Grove, Hampton Wick

The committee approved plans for a retrospective application to convert Kingston Bridge House into 22 residential apartments and a 90-bed hotel. The development, which is already substantially complete, was granted permission subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and various conditions. The committee noted that while the scheme did not meet the council's target for affordable housing, the applicant had committed to providing four shared ownership homes. Benefits such as economic contributions, urban greening, and biodiversity net gain were considered to outweigh any identified harms.

Heatham House Youth Centre, Whitton Road, Twickenham

Planning permission and listed building consent were granted for the erection of a new 'Summer House' and the refurbishment of the existing garage building at Heatham House. These works will facilitate the provision of a Family Hub and an outdoor nursery. The committee acknowledged that the proposed summerhouse constituted inappropriate development within Metropolitan Open Land and would cause some harm to the setting of the Grade II listed Heatham House. However, these harms were considered to be clearly outweighed by the substantial public benefits, including the delivery of a vital community facility and ecological enhancements. Conditions were attached to the approval, including requirements for biodiversity net gain and the approval of materials.

Tree Preservation Order TP26-0011 - Rear Garden of 19 Queens Road, Twickenham

The committee confirmed a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on a mature horse chestnut tree located in the rear garden of 19 Queens Road, Twickenham. The tree is visible from several public vantage points and contributes to the local townscape and biodiversity. While the owner had raised objections concerning the tree's size, condition, and proximity to properties, the council's assessment found the tree to be in good physiological condition, and no independent arboricultural evidence was submitted to justify its removal. The confirmation of the TPO will ensure that any future works to the tree are properly assessed and controlled.