Our Objectives

Our primary objective is to protect the trees and associated wildlife. Initially we have objected to the original planning application as it will undoubtedly cause damage to the trees and wildlife, however our vision goes further. We hope to create a green hub in the heart of our community; a valuable stepping stone in the green corridor of South West London - this can only be done if planning permission is refused!

Thanks to Richmond Council for moving so quickly the 11 trees already have Tree Preservation Orders placed on them. Unfortunately this does not protect them from developers.

If you would like to join us in the campaign to save the trees please contact us.  

See our NEWS page for current and previous news 

 

JUNE 2025 - OBJECT to Planning Application

Thank you again for your ongoing support of this long-running saga, it is almost two years since our last success. It has been lovely to meet many of you in person over the last couple of years and put faces to names. Having seen off the previous developers there are some new ones and they have unfortunately begun the whole process again

There is now a New Planning Application (PA25/1450) that has been submitted for two four bedroom houses. We likely have until the end of this month (once a public notice is displayed we will have 3 weeks from that date) to make our feelings known otherwise we will lose some of our wonderful trees (which are looking even more magnificent right now) and a good section of our pavement that has been in continuous use for over 40 years.
 
The application is very lengthy, the broad strokes are that they are now proposing to build two houses that will open directly onto the end of Winchester Road (just beyond the cherry tree in the round flower-bed). In order for them to be able to do this they are planning to remove the three trees facing Winchester Road (again) and also to enclose the cherry tree into the development (again) which reduces the pavement size considerably and also removes a right of way that has been there for over 40 years! 
 
The developers have obviously worked hard to justify the removal of the three mature trees facing Winchester Road and it would appear that this will still be our best avenue of objection this time around.
 
Last time we had well over 100 letters of support against the proposal and it would be great to get that number in again or more! 
 
OBJECTIONS can be made online at this link:
 
 
The list of Valid reasons to object 
 
  • Loss of light or overshadowing
  • Overlooking/loss of privacy
  • Visual amenity (but not loss of private view)
  • Adequacy of parking/loading/turning
  • Highway safety
  • Traffic generation
  • Noise and disturbance resulting from use
  • Hazardous materials
  • Smells
  • Loss of trees
  • Effect on listed building and conservation area
  • Layout and density of building
  • Design, appearance and materials
  • Landscaping
  • Road access
  • Local, strategic, regional and national planning policies
  • Government circulars, orders and statutory instruments
  • Disabled persons' access
  • Compensation and awards of costs against the Council at public enquiries
  • Proposals in the Development Plan
  • Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)
  • Nature conservation
  • Archaeology
  • Solar panels

We cannot take into account matters which are sometimes raised but are not normally planning considerations such as:

  • The perceived loss of property value
  • Private disputes between neighbours
  • The loss of a view
  • The impact of construction work or competition between firms
  • Restrictive covenants
  • Ownerships disputes over rights of way
  • Fence lines etc
  • Personal morals or views about the applicant.