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Somerset House development plans submitted

PlanningThe planning application for the substantial Somerset House & surrounding buildings redevelopment has been submitted and can be found online here.

Although it’s unlikely that anyone will argue that the buildings should stay for aesthetic reasons, critics of the project have been vocal about concerns that include overcrowding roads and general facilities, whilst some businesses still operate from the site and don’t want to have to relocate.

Throughout the design phase, developers Ashill Developments have been in regular contact with Richmond Council highways officers, ward councillors, nearby St Marys and St Peters Primary School, one-to-one meetings with nearby neighbouring property owners and finally a public exhibition which was attended by over 100 individuals.

Reaction to the plans was very mixed – some see the demolition of the buildings and new modern houses as a positive step for the area but others feel that the proposed dwellings don’t have enough green space or parking. You can review the feedback and comments made here.

Comments

0 thoughts on “Somerset House development plans submitted

  • Andrew Roberts

    Any update on the proposed demolition and redevelopment of Somerset House and surrounding buildings, following the Council’s refusal of the application and the developer’s subsequent appeal?

    Reply
  • tteditor

    Hi Andrew, haven’t heard any update on this application. Looking through the published documents online, there are quite a few recent correspondence between the developers and councillors.

    It looks like there is an enquiry into the appeal on 1st February 2011.

    Reply
  • Just received a letter from Richmond Council, dated Jan 4th, saying the appeal will be heard at the Inquiry on Feb 1st, at York House, Richmond Road, Twickenham.

    Reply
  • Andrew Roberts

    A further update. I’ve been informed by the Council that the Planning Inquiry sat for 4 days and closed on 9th February 2011. The target time for a decision from the Planning Inspectorate is 7 weeks, so a decision around the end of March or beginning of April is anticipated.

    Reply
  • tteditor

    Thanks for the info Andrew

    Reply
  • Andrew Roberts

    A further update as I’ve received a letter dated 15 March 2001 from LBRuT Appeals and Enforcement team, confirming the Planning Appeal was allowed for the proposed development: demolition of existing buildings and erection of 58 homes comprising 14no. 3 bedroom and 10no. 4 bedroom houses and one apartment block providing 15no. 1 bedroom, 15no. 2 bedroom and 4no. 3 bedroom apartments together with associated car parking , landscaping and access.

    Reply
  • Andrew Roberts

    A hoarding has gone up around the site of Somerset House this weekend. Demolition is now imminent.

    Reply
  • Quite hideous looking. Similar to the tatty looking development on the old paintworks near Bushy. Really unimaginative, repetitive and dull. Adds nothing to the environment. TRAGIC.

    Reply
  • Mr Sloan

    How many people can you squeeze into a small space? Answer as many as you like.
    Building basically blocks of concrete. Contrast with nice victorian housing is lovely. I am sure it is very cheap for the developers though.

    Reply

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