Richmond residents fearing a waste dump could end up in their back gardens have been reassured there are no plans to bring heavy industry to the area.

Developers alerted householders from Chalkers Corner to Manor Circus to a proposed change in the unitary development plan for the land behind Richmond fire station.

The site is currently home to a dairy depot, warehouses and a removals company and encompasses Orchard, Market and Garden Roads. It adjoins Manor Grove residents' back gardens and is designated for light industrial use.

But anger has arisen over Richmond Council's draft planning guidance for the site that states it "may meet demand for new or emerging industry such as waste, energy or recycling".

Developers Harepath, which bought the site last year, had planned to build flats and offices.

Director Peter Whiteway said: "The council have re-zoned the area to prevent residential development or offices.

"We were alarmed because it would affect the value of the site and what we wanted to do."

Harepath are to submit a planning application for 110 flats and 30,000 sq ft of office space.

Mr Whiteway denied accusations that the company were "scaremongering" in order to push their own proposals for the site through.

"All we did was show what was on this draft proposal," said Mr Whiteway.

After attending an open day at Harepath's Garden Road base, one resident Ludovic Windsor, said: "The sentiment here is that we feel Harepath is the best option, as it seems of a good standing and would mean a mix of commercial and 24/7 occupation - which we feel is safer than an industrial park."

But Mr Windsor added that residents still want to know why the council want to designate the area for heavy industry.

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "The big fear amongst people is that the dump in Mortlake will be closed and one opened here."

But a council spokesman said there were no plans to bring a waste management facility or heavy industrial works to the site.

He said: "The consultation period on a supplementary planning document for the area ended on September 21 and we are currently collating the results.

"The document seeks to ensure the land will continue to be used for a similar mix of employment uses as at present.

"The consultation will be reported to the environment and sustainability committee on November 6 when residents and other interested parties can have their say."