The Planning Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Wednesday, 10 January 2024, to discuss and decide on several planning applications. The committee approved three significant planning applications: a new residential dwelling at the rear of 19-23 Friars Stile Road, the development of seven affordable housing units at The Mereway Centre, and the construction of a new two-storey school building for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties at Strathmore School. The committee also noted a procedural report regarding the delegation of authority for outstanding planning resolutions.

23/2478/FUL: Rear of 19-23 Friars Stile Road, Richmond

The committee approved planning permission for the demolition of existing garages and the erection of a three-storey, three-bedroom residential dwelling. The decision was made subject to the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure contributions towards local benefits and mitigation measures. Concerns raised by objectors primarily focused on the access to the proposed parking spaces, with members concluding that a dropped kerb would not necessarily improve pedestrian safety and that congestion was unlikely given the limited number of vehicles. The modern design with flat roofs was generally accepted as fitting well with neighbouring properties.

23/0260/FUL: The Mereway Centre, Mereway Road, Twickenham

Planning permission was delegated for approval for the erection of seven part single/part two-storey residential dwellings. A key benefit of this development is the provision of seven affordable social rent units, all of which will be family-sized and two designed to be wheelchair accessible or adaptable. The committee welcomed the efficient use of brownfield land and the proposed biodiversity gain, including the creation of a nature strip between the development and the River Crane. The applicant was encouraged to consult with the Friends of the River Crane Environment regarding tree and shrub species for the area. The decision was subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and various conditions and informatives.

23/1896/FUL: Strathmore School, 122 Hanworth Road, Hampton

Authority was delegated to approve the application for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a new two-storey school building for 25 pupils aged 11-19 with severe and complex learning difficulties. The committee was fully supportive of the proposal, noting the significant shortage of such specialist provision locally and the benefit of enabling these children to be taught closer to their communities. The design was considered sympathetic to the adjacent Hampton High building, and the proposed ecological and biodiversity enhancements were viewed positively. The decision was subject to conditions and informatives outlined in the report.

Outstanding Planning Committee Resolutions Report

The committee noted a report concerning a procedural matter following the departure of the Assistant Director, Environment & Community Services (Planning & Transport Strategy). It was resolved that delegated authority to progress planning applications with outstanding matters, including Section 106 Legal Agreements, would be transferred from the vacant post to the Head of Development Management (Richmond). This change is intended to ensure the continued progression of these applications without altering the basis of the original delegated authority.