'THE whole future of Twickenham is at risk' a senior councillor warned this week, as steps were launched to protect the area from overdevelopment.

As four large developments loom on the horizon, a masterplan for the town is being drawn up by council chiefs who have vowed to preserve the character of the borough.

The fears were voiced by deputy leader of Richmond upon Thames Council Cllr Geoffrey Samuel, who said they are concerned about the impact of the developments on the town's infrastructure.

Within the next five years development is likely to commence at the Harlequins rugby ground, the Post Office sorting site opposite Twickenham station, Richmond upon Thames College and the council's Craneford Way depot.

Housing could appear on each of these sites, in addition to a proposed new stand at Harlequins and new college buildings.

It is also believed that Regal House on London Road could be facing major regeneration, with a 1m square feet development including work over the adjacent train tracks. It is thought this could involve housing or a shopping centre.

Cllr Samuel said that large scale developments would exacerbate existing problems in the town: "The traffic implications are horrendous. It would make the already heavily used Chertsey Road unmanageable. The town centre is already frequently grid locked; it cannot cope with the additional traffic. Add to all this the already agreed development on the rugby ground and you have irreversible damage to Twickenham."

The council is hoping to prevent such problems by setting a framework for developers and working in partnership with landowners. This planning guidance was launched for public consultation this week.

The council's director of environment, Trevor Pugh, said: "This area of the borough has evolved without any overall vision. Our development guidelines aim to put this right by providing a framework so that the area is improved in a sensible, planned and co-ordinated way."

He added that the developments will provide the opportunity for major improvements to the area including paths, views and open spaces.

"Of course, any new developments must be in scale and in character with the area and acceptable regarding traffic and transport implications. These are crucial aspects. We recognise that new residents will mean a need for more school places, for example.

"And we are concerned that site owners don't seek developments that are overintensive and put unacceptable pressure on schools, health and other community facilities and the road network. Our planning guidance will spell out the issues that the council requires them to address. We will work with key landowners and the local community to ensure that new development brings real benefits to the area."

The document will be available for six weeks of public consultation from October 4 to November 15 and can be viewed at the Civic Centre and Twickenham Library in addition to the council website.