The Planning Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Thursday 4 March 2010 to consider a range of planning applications. The meeting's agenda included proposals for new residential developments, extensions to existing properties, and changes of use for several buildings.

Applications for Development Permission

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing applications for development permission.

1 Glebe Road, Barnes

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a first-floor and loft extension at 1 Glebe Road, Barnes, intended to provide additional consulting rooms and an office for the Glebe Road Surgery. The officer's recommendation was for refusal, citing concerns about the design, bulk, and prominent location of the proposed first-floor side extension, which was considered detrimental to the character and appearance of the Barnes Green Conservation Area and the amenities of neighbouring residential properties.

Pavilion, Palewell Common Drive, East Sheen

The refurbishment and modernisation of the existing pavilion building at Palewell Common Drive, East Sheen, was also on the agenda. The proposal included an extension to create a café and the change of use of the existing vacant groundsman's house to a three or four-bedroom dwelling. The officer's recommendation was for permission, with the assessment concluding that the proposal would improve community facilities without compromising the character of the property or the surrounding Metropolitan Open Land.

3 Vine Cottages, 191 Petersham Road

Two applications related to 3 Vine Cottages, 191 Petersham Road, were scheduled for discussion. The first, 09/3435/VRC, concerned the alteration of a condition to allow one east-facing window to be openable. The officer's recommendation was for permission, stating that the proposed 100mm opening would not compromise privacy and would preserve the character of the building and conservation area. The second application, 09/3156/FUL, was for the erection of a freestanding mailbox adjacent to an existing lamp post. The recommendation was for permission, with the assessment finding it an acceptable development that preserves the character of the conservation area and has little impact on neighbour amenity or highway safety.

Casa Tertia, Old Farm Road, Hampton

The conversion of the single dwelling at Casa Tertia, Old Farm Road, Hampton, into two semi-detached dwellings was scheduled for consideration. The officer's recommendation was for permission, with the report suggesting the proposal would provide additional residential accommodation without compromising the area's character or causing significant harm to neighbour amenities, while meeting parking and sustainability requirements.

18-20 Broom Water West, Teddington

A proposal for the demolition of existing houses at 18-20 Broom Water West, Teddington, and the erection of two three-storey, five-double-bedroom properties with integral garages was to be discussed. The officer's recommendation was for refusal. The reasons cited included the applicant not demonstrating why the existing houses could not be improved to a more sustainable standard, the lack of housing gain, and concerns about the design, height, and projection of the proposed buildings, particularly at number 20, which was considered overly dominant in relation to its neighbour and the street scene. The site's location within the functional floodplain was also a significant concern.

3-5 Park Road, Richmond

The demolition of extensions to a gatehouse at 3-5 Park Road, Richmond, and its conversion into a self-contained dwelling, along with the erection of a new extension to be amalgamated with No. 5 Park Road to form a single dwelling, was scheduled for discussion. The proposal also included the demolition of garages and boundary walls, fenestration changes, and extensions to No. 3 at ground, first, and second-floor levels. The officer's recommendation was for permission and Conservation Area Consent to be granted. The report noted that while the loss of a community public house use was regrettable, sufficient marketing evidence demonstrated its non-viability. The design was considered to preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area and nearby Buildings of Townscape Merit (BTMs).

32-38 The Green, Twickenham

A proposal for a mansard-style roof extension to the front and rear of properties at 32-38 The Green, Twickenham, to create seven one-bedroom flats and convert existing office space to flats, was to be considered. The proposal also included cycle and refuse storage, and the conversion of part of No. 38 to retail use. The officer's recommendation was for permission, subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement. The report indicated that the proposal would preserve and enhance the appearance of the conservation area and the character of neighbouring BTMs, while complying with housing and sustainability policies.

139-141 Stanley Road, Teddington

The redevelopment of 139-141 Stanley Road, Teddington, to provide a replacement ground-floor shop and eight flats, following the demolition of the existing shop, warehouse, and flats, was on the agenda. The officer's recommendation was for permission, subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement. The report suggested the new building would be in character and proportion with its surroundings, and measures would be taken to mitigate the lack of parking provision.

19 Montpelier Row, Twickenham

Two applications concerning 19 Montpelier Row, Twickenham, were scheduled. The first, 09/3287/HOT, was for the retention of a single-storey rear extension. The officer's recommendation was for permission, stating that the extension's size, siting, design, scale, and form would preserve the character and appearance of the host building, neighbouring properties, and the conservation area, without prejudicing neighbour amenities. The second application, 09/3288/HOT, was for the retention of the single-storey rear extension, incorporating a reduction in the overall height of the glazed rooflight. The recommendation was also for permission, with the report noting the minor height reduction would not significantly alter the impact considered in the concurrent application.

30 Belmont Road, Twickenham

A proposed change of use for the building at 30 Belmont Road, Twickenham, from part House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and part self-contained units to provide eight self-contained flats (five one-bedroom and two two-bedroom), with associated extensions and works, was to be discussed. The officer's recommendation was for permission, subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement. This agreement would secure the relocation of four non-self-contained units to 19 Richmond Road, Twickenham, to be occupied solely as an HMO, and ensure membership to a car club for the lifetime of the units. The proposal was considered to preserve the character of the conservation area and BTMs, without prejudice to highway conditions and neighbour amenity.