The Planning Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to discuss and determine several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a new housing development at Sion Court, Twickenham, and the expansion of food retail facilities at Kew Retail Park, with the approval of applications for both Unit 1A and Units 5-7.

Sion Court, Sion Road, Twickenham

The committee approved the demolition of 20 derelict garages and a one-bedroom flat at Sion Court, Sion Road, Twickenham, to be replaced by five new dwellings. This decision followed a lengthy planning history for the site, with previous applications having been refused or dismissed at appeal. The approved scheme addresses previous concerns regarding neighbour amenity, the quality of residential accommodation, and the impact on protected trees. A condition was added to ensure rear rooflights are openable, and an informative was included to encourage the applicant to engage with existing residents of Sion Court regarding fire safety measures.

Kew Retail Park, Bessant Drive, Kew

Two applications concerning Kew Retail Park were approved.

Firstly, the use of Unit 1A at Kew Retail Park for food and comparison goods sales was approved. This change of use, while not typically requiring planning permission, was brought before the committee due to restrictions in the original planning permission for the retail park. The committee noted that the introduction of an Aldi supermarket would offer greater choice for local residents and, despite some concerns about traffic, accepted the findings of transport assessments that indicated no severe impact on the highway network.

Secondly, the expansion of the food sales area within Units 5-7 at Kew Retail Park, occupied by Marks and Spencer, was approved. This will increase the food sales floor space from 743 sq. m to 1,876.4 sq. m. While some members expressed disappointment that the application did not include a commitment to increase electric vehicle charging points, the committee found no reasons to refuse the application and voted in favour of the officer's recommendation. The decision was unanimous, with one abstention.