Converting an old police station into homes and a car park will create excess traffic, noise pollution and will ruin Hampton’s “village feel”, according to residents.

An application has been made by Greg Pitt of architecture firm Barton Willmore, to partially demolish the rear of the listed Edwardian police station in Station Road in order to construct 28 homes and provide 40 car parking spaces.

Jane Cook has lived in Station Road since 1973 and said the plans could create many traffic problems during and after construction.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Artist's impression of how the development will look

Ms Cook said: “18 months of construction with traffic coming up towards the level crossing, turning left then turning right into that narrow path will cause chaos.”

Bronwyn Janes, who also lives in Station Road, said there is not enough parking provision included for the number of additional houses and visitors.

She said:“This area of Hampton is difficult to park in and most shoppers resort to parking on double yellows, if they wish to stop already.

"With so many new homes and a lack of provided parking for visitors and residents, this problem will only get worse.”

She added that though she was pleased to see the old police station put to use again, the proposed architecture did not fit in with the current look of the village and creating a gated community would go against the ethos of Hampton, where she said there are many streets in which the public are free to walk.

She said: “It is a most beautiful building that deserves to be preserved and respected by the developers, instead of being overshadowed by new buildings and extensions. It will be a shame to see its current architecture ruined.”

Katie Wilmot, of Upper Richmond Road, objected to the proposals on the grounds that not enough affordable housing would be provided.

She said: “Policy would require 50 per cent of this development to be affordable homes, and without a published viability report, it is impossible to see the justification for not providing a figure close to this."

A spokesman from Barton Willmore said the development will lead to just seven extra trips during peak hours.

He said: "The vision for the proposal is to enhance the setting of the retained building, extend the avenue character of Station Road with new tree planting and matching materials with the historic area. The materials that will be used for the building (like bricks, roofs and windows) will help to identify the entrance to the new development, define public from private space, and reinforce the character of the Conservation Area.

"The new building will create a natural courtyard in the form of a beautiful landscaped courtyard providing visual amenity for everyone and opportunities for play or simple relaxation."

For more information visit richmond.gov.uk, planning code 16/0606/FUL.