So it is August and Mortlake and EastSheen may resemble a deserted Parisian suburb. But it’s more than three months since we received the Inspector’s decision granting planning permission for the residential development at the Stag Brewery and for the adjacent secondary school.

We have known for nine months or more that the school would be dependent on central government funding. Who knew that it would take so long for a decision to be taken?

Are there secret discussions going on about what might happen with this important site.

Is there any strategic thinking being conducted on housing needs, including affordable housing, and transport. If there is, no-one is saying anything or consulting locally.

From the residential viewpoint one would hope this would include thinking on the Homebase site in Manor, which seems to have stalled; the Barnes Hospital site, where in spite of opening ceremonies, we are still waiting for diggers rather than spades; and occupancy at the Teddington Riverside development.

Meanwhile rumours abound locally that the financial power brokers in Singapore are not entirely happy with the current position in Mortlake.

Mortlake residents are doing well to get on with their own discussions about what projects to promote in their area.