EastSheenMatters

On 18 June 2026 the government launched a public consultation on the framework for future decisions on Heathrows third runway. The expectation is to deliver a final planning decision in 2029, ensuring it meets key tests on noise, air quality, climate and economic growth.

The consultation proposes that any scheme must have a clear strategy to create jobs and realise the economic benefits of expansion, be compatible with the UK’s legally binding climate targets, not breach legal air quality limits, and ensure noise emissions do not worsen for local residents.

Planning proposals from developers looking to build a third runway will be strictly assessed against these key tests – ensuring expansion meets the needs of local people, and serves the UK economy by driving growth.

The independent Climate Change Committee is being formally consulted to advise on how expansion can be consistent with the net zero framework. It will be interesting to see what they have to say, given their membership does appear to be knowledgeable and independent on climate matters. But what independent input will there be on noise and traffic, andw whether we will simply be heading for another HS2 farce?

In November, 2025 the government selected the scheme proposed by Heathrow Airport Limited to inform the National Policy Statement review. Fully independent or fully focused on its financial interests?

For details of the consultation see New consultation sets foundations for Heathrow expansion to take off  – GOV.UK

The Evening Standard reports today that Hammersmith Bridge is unlikely to reopen to vehicles. A report to Hammersmith & Fulham Council, to be considered on 7 July 2026, says fully restoring the 139-year-old bridge would cost the borough around £300 million, which is beyond its financial means. The report states that there is no financial option available that would allow its full restoration.

It had been hoped that the Department for Transport Structures Fund, offering councils £1 billion to spend on repairing and replacing infrastructure, would provide the funding needed to fully restore the bridge. The Council says the criteria for funding requires projects to be completed by March 31, 2030, making a full restoration impossible within the deadline.

Following discussions with the Department for Transport, the council is recommending a “phased repair” programme instead. This would prioritise the bridge’s most urgent structural repairs while keeping it open for pedestrians and cyclists, rather than restoring it to full vehicle traffic.

So the political games which have now continued since closure of the Bridge in April 2019 seem to have reached a conclusion. Putney Bridge will remain gridlocked. Access to Barnes and Mortlake requires a long detour via Chiswick. The quiet oasis of Castelnau will remain a haven for cyclists. Regional planning sinks into the Thames.

The Times reported yesterday that the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is proposing to build a vastly expanded national training centre on the Bank of England-owned site that presently stages the Wimbledon qualifying tournament in Roehampton. It is described as a cross between St George’s Park, the FA’s hub in Burton Upon Trent , (but is based in a largely rural area), and the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.

To the benefit of tennis, probably; meeting local commuity needs, improbable.

South West London is already dominated by tennis for four months of the year, to the exclusion of other sporting activities. The centre would make that an all year reality. Does that reflect national or local needs?

We have the prospect of another White Elephant in the area. Stag Brewery is now up for sale and unlikely to see development any time soon. Wimbledon expansion is subject to delay for legal reasons. And now a proposal which could be equally mired in planning and cost difficulties.

Vaunted ambition?

Christ Church, Saturday 4 July 2026 7.00 p.m.

Karl Jenkins’ ‘The Armed Man – A Mass for Peace’

Conductor, Neavan Lobban, with the Light Ensemble.

Tickets available on the door. Run time, c. 1 hour 10 mins. Bar open from 6.15pm

This is a not infrequent picture in Sheen Lane just to the south of the level crossing at Mortlake Station.

The root problem relates to the ability to overtake the lorry, and sometimes two or three.

When the level crossing has been closed for some minutes there is likely to be a queue of cars either side. Cars travelling from Mortlake to East Sheen may be unable to move far, because they cannot go into the right hand side. The gates may go down again before more than a few cars have been able to cross.

Apart from the inconvenience and sheer frustration, the pollution caused by idling engines has not been resolved.

The Council appears to have given permission for these lorries to be parked here during the day. We do not know why. Or whether any limitation on space used has been considered? Or whether early morning or late evening are options?

The supermarket is convenient, especially for those exiting the Station. But has any balance of convenience been undertaken? Would it be too noisy for neighbours if deliveries were before 8am or after 8pm?

The full changeover from Lime to Forest e-bikes across Richmond upon Thames takes place today Friday 26 June 2026. Cyclists will no longer be able to start or finish journeys on Lime bikes in the borough.

There are no restrictions on riding Lime – or any other operator’s – bikes through the borough. Riders can still travel across Richmond as part of longer journeys.

Riders who ignore the new parking restrictions on the Lime app could incur a fine and any Lime bikes that remain after 26 June will be removed by the operator. Please report any Lime bikes by completing a request on the Lime website [https://help.li.me/hc/en-gb/requests/new].

Forest already operates across all of Richmond’s neighbouring boroughs, helping to create a connected network across South West London, which allows riders to travel easily without worrying about borough boundaries.

To encourage residents to try the new service, Forest is offering a range of exclusive deals to Richmond residents:

• Up to 30 minutes of riding for £1 on journeys starting in Richmond throughout June
• An exclusive local offer of 400 minutes for £13.99 per month (equivalent to just 3.5p per minute)

There is still no information available about Forest’s insurance or their willingness to control unlawful activities, which remains a concern for pedestrians.