Fury as Ken supports taller flats near park

12:01pm Monday 15th October 2007

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Support from the mayor of London for dozens of controversial Hampton Wick homes has roused ire with the borough's London Assembly member who has called for the plans to be rejected.

Mayor Ken Livingstone has decided in principle to support plans to extend a housing development in Sandy Lane, on a plot of land known as the Seeboard or Jewson site, which would add an extra 40 apartments.

Richmond Council approved a plan to build 198 apartments on the former gas works, as well as a crèche and nursing home, alongside additional retail and office space. However, developer Linden Homes has submitted a new planning application seeking permission for 238 units, which will increase the height of the blocks overlooking Bushy Park.

A letter sent to Richmond Council on behalf of Mr Livingstone said the mayor concluded the application is acceptable in principle, but called on Linden Homes to investigate the impact on bats, reduce parking spaces and ensure the affordable housing units meet his definition of affordability.

Hampton Wick and Teddington householders have already formed the Sandy Lane Site Action Group (SLSAG), to lead formal opposition to the scheme.

Councillor Tony Arbour, who represents Hampton Wick on Richmond Council and is the area's London Assembly member, is supporting SLSAG, describing the site as already overcrowded.

Coun Arbour said: "The Mayor has failed to take into account the effect that this development will have on the local infrastructure.

"It will put pressure on our overcrowded schools and roads and create intolerable parking pressures on nearby roads. Moreover, it will adversely affect views from the park.

He said: "I very much hope that the borough council will go against Mr Livingstone in this very unpopular matter. This should only be a matter for locals and demonstrates that the Mayor of London should have no part in these matters."

A Richmond Council spokesperson said: "We have received an application from Linden Homes for an additional 40 units, and we have undertaken public consultation and are currently considering the responses.

"All representations will be taken fully into account when a decision is made by the planning committee."