Residents opposing plans to redevelop Twickenham riverside have been accused of acting selfishly by an environment group.

Environment Trust project manager Angela Kidner defended plans for the proposed River Centre, which will be managed by the trust.

The plan for the centre has faced strong opposition from campaigners, who say it is not a suitable facility for the site or financially viable.

However, speaking to the Richmond and Twickenham Times, Ms Kidner said: “I think the opposition is selfish. It is about not wanting change in their back yard.

“They are not really caring about the environment or about the families and children who will have to deal with what is left behind. People need to see the bigger picture and longer term importance of an environmental hub in the borough and especially in a ‘green’ borough.

“We have a viable business plan. It has been endorsed by people who are involved in such schemes.”

The River Centre will be part of the proposed development of the site by Countryside Properties, which also includes plans for 32 luxury houses and flats to be built on the riverside, along with a children’s play area and cafe-restaurant.

The Environment Trust is aiming for it to be a centre of learning where qualifications and apprenticeships in river and land-based skills will be offered along with courses on sustainability, green construction and climate change for the community.

The centre will also host exhibitions and people will be able to see a working river up close.

Trust chairman Jenny Pearce said: “There is a very negative perception of the River Centre which is a very important aspect of the scheme.

“The River Centre is going to bring enormous benefits to the borough – and the benefits are going to reach a much wider area.

“If the whole concept of the development were to change then the council would need a new planning policy.

“This is quite a long time scale – probably years, especially as it is quite likely that there could be objections to a major change of tack.”

However, Friends of Twickenham Riverside member Scott Naylor said: “They have so much self belief they’ve lost their sense of reality.”

The Environment Trust will be holding its AGM from 7pm on Thursday at the Orangery, Ham House.