COUNCIL APPROVE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR OLD HSBC BANK SITE IN TEDDINGTON
SPECIAL REPORT
The planning application to demolish and redevelop the former site of the former HSBC bank site on Teddington’s High Street was unanimously approved by Richmond Council’s planning committee last night. (Wed)
A council spokesperson told Teddington Town: “The recommendation for approval subject to legal agreements being completed was agreed unanimously by members.”
Representatives of the developers UNICO addressed the committee saying their latest proposal for eight flats and two retail units next to the Teddington Arms pub would add to the ‘vitality’ of the High Street.
One of the owners told the committee that several Richmond-based businesses had already shown an interest in the retail units, which will be built to face the street.
Unico representatives were asked by councillors why there was no ‘affordable housing’ within the proposal and they explained the development was too small to make it ‘viable’ or ‘practicable.’
One of the councillors described the site as a ‘blot on the landscape even when it was a bank’ and local Teddington Councillor Richard Baker had been empty for ten years and he described it as an ‘eyesore.’
He told the committee: “The current plans are much more sympathetic to the High Street. I believe the plans should be approved.”
Cllr Baker added: “I really believe that the developers and the architects have made a real effort to make their proposals blend in with the High Street and Cedar Road and made significant changes to the earlier plans which were rejected.”
Several of the residential units will have balconies overlooking Cedar Road and others will have roof terraces. There will also be a basement.
In a previous statement Unico told Teddington Town: “Our proposals will remove the disused and unattractive building from this prominent corner site and replace it with a quality building which is designed to complement the High Street and Conservation Area.
“As a family-owned business who live in the borough, we are committed to delivering this project and have worked hard to address the reasons why our previous application was refused.
“We have taken the time to listen to neighbours, the Teddington Society and the Council’s officers to evolve the plans, and appreciate all their feedback.
“The development will provide a new ground floor retail space to support the vitality of the High Street, together with 8 new one and two bed apartments above.”
The company has said that if the application was approved they intend ‘to tender for construction contractors without delay and hopefully start works in the summer.’
The web broadcast of the Richmond Council Planning Committee can be seen here: Home – Richmond upon Thames Webcasting
The full application can be seen here: 24.1492.FUL – 42 High Street Teddington.pdf