The leader of Richmond Council has said he will ignore the views of thousands of residents in an independent referendum on the controversial Twickenham Riverside development.

Councillor Serge Lourie branded the ballot, organised by a coalition of campaign groups in protest at the council’s plans to for housing on the riverside, a “disgrace”.

He said the question - Should public land on Twickenham Riverside be sold to a property development company?, which was sent to about 4,500 homes - was “completely loaded”.

However, the company behind the referendum, Electoral Reform Services Ltd (ERS), said campaigners were entitled to ask whatever they liked.

Coun Lourie has now lodged a formal complaint with ERS, an independent firm that helps organisations hold their own ballots.

He said: “This so-called referendum would have disgraced even Charles De Gaulle, who made asking biased questions an art form.

“For a referendum to be persuasive, it needs to be balanced and give all the facts fairly.

“This referendum is a disgrace and will not have any impact on the council’s decision making as the result will not be worth the paper it is written on.”

His complaints included his belief the question encouraged people who do not know about the subject to vote 'no'.

He also complained it should have referred to the “public benefit” of development which, it is proposed, will lead to a River Centre, a cafe and “significant improvements” to the embankment.

However, ERS director Simon Hearn said: “It’s down to the individual what they would like to ask and what they want to do.”

The referendum was privately launched and funded by community groups who are against the proposals by developer Countryside Properties Ltd, which includes plans to build 32 luxury homes on the derelict Riverside site.

Riverside campaigner Teresa Read said: “We wouldn’t expect much else from a council that doesn’t listen. We took days and hours and hours to get it right. We really took an effort to make it sure it was as apolitical as possible.”

Backing the referendum, Conservative deputy leader Councillor Geoffrey Samuel, said: “I congratulate the Riverside groups for their bold initiative in offering people the say on the future of our Riverside that this increasingly high-handed and unpopular council has refused them.

“People should take time to ensure they do not miss their chance to vote.”

The closing date for the referendum is June 24 and results are expected to be made available within 24 hours.

A petition has been launched by Friends of Twickenham Riverside in protest of the redevelopment which can be signed at Arthur’s by the River Cafe or at the group’s stall held every Saturday outside Abbey National in Twickenham high street.