Residents’ feedback on controversial proposals for Twickenham Riverside will be “fed into the designs”, according to the council.

Proposals arose nearly eight years ago and in 2014, Richmond Council bought properties on King Street and Water Lane connecting to the derelict Pool House buildings and the river with the aim of creating a new “heart” for the town.

However, the borough’s Liberal Democrat leader, Councillor Gareth Roberts, has accused the council of trying to “put the best gloss” on the results and said “they can’t possibly address all of these issues before they submit their planning application”.

The public have shown strong opposition to the plans in the past.

In early 2016, residents overwhelming responded negatively with only 59 out of 778 respondents thinking the proposals were a good idea.

The concerns raised last year were about the lack of view of the river from King Street, the inclusion of flats and shops and a lack of town square.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

In the latest consultation, 51 per cent of 457 respondents agreed with the potential uses for the ground floor of the buildings.

However, 52 per cent strongly disagreed with the proposed parking arrangements- most think too much space has been allocated- with only 22 per cent agreeing or strongly agreeing.

One respondent said the area was “already cluttered up” with parking while another said: “Please, please, please take this opportunity to move the cars away from the riverside.

“It's astonishing (in a bad way) that Twickenham's greatest honour appears to be the best place car park in London. Free up all the riverside for common amenity when you have this chance.”

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

The proposed height of the buildings in King Street, Diamond Jubilee Gardens and Water Lane is still a point of contention.

One respondent commented: “The buildings in King Street should be no more than three storeys high whilst those in Water Lane no more than two storeys high in order to blend in with existing buildings.

“At present there are clear vistas both from Water Lane and the Riverside but the illusion of space will be lost once the new buildings are erected and this would potentially blight the Riverside area.”

Another said: “Diamond Jubilee Gardens is a lovely space that is not in the least being enhanced by having a huge building sat down next to it.”

The majority of respondents are still opposed to the proposed appearance of the buildings, but not by more than ten per cent. Negative comments included the buildings being “too fussy” and “artificial” in appearance.

Cllr Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council cabinet member for environment, business and community said that while there is “still much to be done” the council is “working hard to make sure that these designs reflect the vision for Twickenham”.

The council will publish their final plans in October.

To read the full consultation go here.