The Planning Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to consider two planning applications. The committee approved a proposal to change the use of land from an accessway to a residential garden at 49 Winchendon Road, Teddington, and also approved a single-storey side infill extension and chimney removal at 36 Morley Road, Twickenham.

49 Winchendon Road, Teddington

The committee approved the proposed change of use of land from an accessway to a residential garden at 49 Winchendon Road, Teddington. The application, which was called in by Councillor Jonathan Cardy, also included proposals for new boundary fencing and gates, and the construction of a new garden shed.

During the meeting, Jonathan Gore, a neighbour living at number 47, spoke against the application. He expressed concerns about the potential impact on his amenity, citing issues such as the accumulation of dry leaves in small gaps between fences, the risk of rats, and privacy concerns for his neighbours who currently use the passageway. He also raised worries that the decision could set a precedent for other shared access routes.

Luke Aaron, the applicant, explained that the accessway is within his title and that its current state presents difficulties for him, including issues with remortgaging. He highlighted the need for a safer and more accessible home for his two young children, including imminent wheelchair access to the rear of his house. He stated that the proposal aimed to retain practical access and make better use of his property.

Councillor Cardy, speaking as an interested ward councillor, reiterated concerns about the amenity value for other users of the accessway and the potential loss of privacy. He also raised the issue of precedent, given the number of alleyways with disputed or historic legal rights in the borough.

Officers clarified that planning permission decisions do not affect existing civil law rights, such as rights of way or easements. They also confirmed that each case is considered on its own merits and that this particular situation, where a single owner wishes to incorporate a service alleyway into their garden, is not necessarily commonplace. The committee discussed the practicalities of maintaining access to a large tree located within the area, with officers explaining that a new gateway would be provided and the pathway diverted around the proposed shed.

The committee voted to delegate authority to the Head of Development Management to approve the application, subject to conditions and informatives. An additional informative was agreed regarding the possibility of an access code for the gate.

36 Morley Road, Twickenham

The committee also approved the application for a single-storey side infill extension and chimney removal at 36 Morley Road, Twickenham. The applicant for this property is Councillor Jeremy Davis.

The proposal involved the demolition of an existing rear extension and the construction of a new single-storey infill extension in its place, along with the removal of a chimney from the rear elevation. The new extension would be slightly taller than the existing one, aligning with the neighbouring property at number 38.

Officers presented the application, noting that it had been brought to the committee due to the applicant being a councillor, as per council protocol. There were no objections from neighbouring residents or internal consultees. The report highlighted that the design, scale, and materials were sympathetic to the host dwelling and surrounding area, and that the development would not result in a material loss of daylight, sunlight, privacy, or outlook to neighbouring occupiers. Flood risk and fire safety were also considered, with the submitted Flood Risk Assessment and Fire Safety Statement deemed acceptable.

The committee voted to delegate authority to the Director of Place Planning to approve the application, subject to conditions and informatives.