Conservation fears over new proposals

1:23pm Monday 19th May 2008

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Kew campaigners have voiced concerns over the future of a conservation area after revised plans to demolish a building emerged.

Members of The Lindens Residents' Association are united in opposition to the neighbouring Kew Road property being replaced with eight flats and parking facilities.

In a letter to Richmond Council association chairman, Irving Rose, reminded officials that a conservation order was issued about 20 years ago, which ruled that "no more houses in Kew were to be demolished to make way for blocks of flats".

Dr Rose said: "If the council reneges on its policy by granting permission for this application, it would surely make a mockery of the principle of conservation and mean an end to the conservation area in Kew.

"It would create a precedent and pave the way for more developers, who do not live in the area and have no care or concern for it, to build more blocks of flats."

One of the 18 flat dwellers in The Lindens against the plans, Mark Jackson, said "everybody here was upset" when they heard the news, adding that some were "furious".

He believes the area needs to be preserved or positively enhanced and has suspicions the council may ignore the residents' pleas.

Mr Jackson said: "We are just afraid that there may be other reasons the council has for possibly over-riding the conservation area principles.

"We are worried this is not a forgone conclusion at all."

A council spokesman said: "No decision has been made on this revised planning application and all representations will be taken fully into account when the matter comes before the planning committee."

The date of the committee has not yet been fixed.