EastSheenMatters

The Stag Brewery development on the east side of Ship Lane, if approved, would comprise alterations and extensions to existing buildings and erection of buildings varying in height from three to nine storeys plus a basement of one to two storeys. There would be floorspace for retail, financial and professional services, food and drink outlets, a hotel and public house with accommodation plus a cinema.

The heights of six of the proposed buildings exceed the maximum height of seven storeys permitted in local plans or approved by the GLA.

The Homebase development recently approved by the Mayor of London has residential units in five blocks ranging from four to eleven storeys.

At the Public Examination of the 2023 Richmond Local Plan the Inspectors heard evidence about the height of buildings planned for Kew Retail Park. Marks and Spencer, the major store at the site, are planning to demolish and redesign the store. The owners, St. George’s, asked the Inspectors to recommend to the Council that they should remove an existing restriction on the number of storeys that could be built there.

So what are the implications of current thinking from architects and developers? We seem to be at risk of becoming part of the tall buildings strip from Teddington to Vauxhall. Compare Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia. They may be financially beneficial to some. But who owns all those apartments and are they actually answering the housing problems we have?

FiSH is a neighbourhood community support scheme, established in 1963, which helps the people of Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen, in particular the older members, and those who may feel isolated and lonely. FiSH came about after a discussion between old friends. They organised volunteers and set up a helpline.

FiSH now has offices at the Barnes Green Centre, Church Road, London SW13 9HE. It has five full and part-time staff, a network of volunteers and three minibuses.

FiSH offers friendship, support and practical help and advice, via its network of volunteers, as well as events, activities and outings for members to meet each other and enjoy a social life.  FiSH also offers one-to-one befriending, exercise classes, choir, and activities aimed at those living with dementia.

In 2018 FiSH was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of its outstanding work for the community.

Find out more at fishhelp.org.uk

Office telephone 020 8876 3336

Congratulations to Sarah Olney on her victory and a much increased majority, with a 55% share of the total vote. And congratulations to the voters of the Richmond Park constituency with a turnout of 75% which must be one of the highest turnouts in the country, given the national average of 60%.

What are the implications of the change of government for Richmond Park? Affordable housing must be on the agenda, which will cause problems for the Council at the Planning Inquiry. What approach will a Labour Government have to a new academy, when local schools can provide space.

And will our new MP have anything to say to the Council about the views of her local constituents?

The stalls at this Saturday’s Garden Market from 11AM – 1pm will include

Sarah Harvey, A Quack & A Moo: homemade children’s accessories

Chiara Lobbi, Pesciolino Tales: arts and crafts

Beth Whitehead, Lupins Locker: handmade luxury hangers and cross stitch artwork

Katerina Hudspeth, KUT London: womenswear and clothing

Parisa Pourshahidi, BTS BEAUTY: beauty salon

Representation Hearing – date still to be confirmed

A public Representation Hearing is due to be held for the Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, Jules Pipe, to consider the Application in detail and to determine whether planning permission should be granted. On 12 June 2024 a post was placed here about the AELTC Qualifying Centre at Roehampton, in respect of which the decision about whether to permit expansion of the existing facilities at Wimbledon Park, will have a major impact.

The date is still to be confirmed and will be announced in due course. Those who have submitted a representation will be given 21 days notice of the hearing.

The Public Examination of the Council’s vision for the next fifteen years in the Borough, currently being heard at York House, is beginning in part to look like a prequel to the Planning Inquiry about the Brewery Planning Applications. On the second day of the hearing the Inspectors expressed concern about the Council’s position on affordable housing in the Local Plan. The Council appears to have set itself against the London Plan, perhaps for political or financial reasons, but also against National Guidance and binding legislation.

The arguments are complex but in an attempt to simplify – and at the risk of over-simplication – there are two concepts worth considering. The first is the Fast Track Route (FTR) approach which seeks to incentivise developers to achieve a minimum level of affordable housing, 35% for private land and 50% on public or industrial land. The scheme is intended to speed up the planning process to the benefit of all.

The scheme adopted by the Council is the Viability Tested Route (VTR). This sets a 50% affordable housing target for all sites and requires that any scheme not achieving that is subject to viability testing on a case by case basis.

The problem for Richmond is that in practice their VTR is achieving unacceptably low levels of affordable housing, around 12% on average over the last five years, and given the intended 7% for the Brewery development, dropping even further.

In an earlier posting it was said that motivations for the Council’s policy on the Brewery development would be explored. The motivation for their rigid position on affordable housing is unfathomable. Is it based on political or administrative ignorance or lack of understanding, or is there some ulterior motive hidden in the dark recesses of York House?

As we are now into July, dog owners will have their calendars marked for National Pet Hydration Awareness Month. This dedicated month serves as an important reminder to ensure our four-legged friends stay well-hydrated, cool and calm, especially during the hot summer days and nights.

Why is hydration so crucial for dogs you ask? They have their water bowls, why do they need more?

Hydration is as essential for dogs as it is for humans. Water makes up about 60% of a dog’s body, playing a critical role in various bodily functions. Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, aids in digestion and increases cognitive function, whilst also keeping our furry friends cool, calm and happy. Without sufficient water intake, dogs can quickly become dehydrated, leading to serious health issues, just like in us humans.

Always Provide Fresh Water  Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Change the water regularly to keep it appealing. There is nothing worse than a filthy bowl full of leaves, mud and other random objects your pup has been scavenging for in the fields. Like humans, dogs enjoy a clean bowl and clean drink.

Carry liquids on Walks  During walks or outdoor activities, carry a portable water bottle and bowl to offer your dog frequent drinks. In heat, dogs can lose up to 20% of their bodily fluid just through perspiration – this isn’t healthy and they need to get the liquids back into their bodies as soon as possible.

Rory Hanna Co-Founder of PAWD Drinks

More information available at http://www.pawddrinks.com

The Council is proposing to develop a ‘Transport Strategy 2040’, a long term plan for the Borough’s future transport needs and aspirations. A paper was presented to the Transport and Air Quality Committee on 10 June 2024. https://cabnet.richmond.gov.uk/documents/s500011070/RTS2040-Final.pdf 

The paper recommends the commencement of a discussion with local communities. That in itself is interesting given the Council’s refusal to contemplate the 2023 community petition requesting a transport survey to provide a strategy for Mortlake and East Sheen before deciding the Brewery applications.

The policy raises questions. Will the new proposal be used as a justification by the Council for having no adequate existing traffic plan, ie our plan is to develop a plan? The call for evidence is not scheduled until November 2024, conveniently after the commencement of the Public Inquiry.

The Council is no doubt assuming that a community consultation would be on the basis that the Brewery development had already been approved. Would that be a genuine consultation or a fait accompli?

It might be important for the Borough as a whole but for Mortlake and East Sheen  it reeks of Twickers for Twickers.

And on the second day the Inspectors considered the Council’s position on affordable housing in the Local Plan. And they were not happy. Watch this space.