A public inquiry over the fate of a Victorian electricity works saw residents and councillors speak out to protect the historic site.

The inquiry over plans to demolish two of the three buildings at the Hamilton Electricity Works site and build 31 flats in their place began on Wednesday last week and concluded on Friday.

The proceedings were launched after Richmond Council's planning committee refused to grant planning permission for the build in April 2006 and, again, in March this year as it judged the plans were "overbearing and unneighbourly".

Hamilton Lofts then appealed to the Planning Inspectorate which ordered the inquiry.

At the hearing, the inspector heard from residents living near the Twickenham site. Developers Hamilton Lofts also put forward its case, along with planning officers from Richmond Council who accounted for its earlier dismissals.

Speaking at the inquiry last Wednesday, Ruth Thompson, of Hamilton Road, said the proposals were "vile" and reassembled a communist housing block.

Ward councillor Clare Head said that a community of tradesmen, such as a sculptor, printmaker and an iron worker, had workshops on the site.

Coun Head also said that the proposed residential blocks would create a fifth more cars on already choked roads.

Cathy Cooper, who has lived on nearby Talbot Road since 1981, said at Thursday's hearing: "The development would affect my life drastically.

"Let the buildings live and breathe and be part of the community."

Mr Bedford, solicitor for Hamilton Lofts, said the works were an "under-used urban resource" and did not have "a long-term future" as they currently stand.

A decision is to be made on October 22.