A controversial proposal to demolish an historic Barnes building could still be on the cards but De Worde on the street is it should be saved.
The Barnes Riverside Action Group (Brag) was formed by neighbours of De Worde House, in Lonsdale Road, and is "determined to win the latest battle".
Riverside residents were "dismayed" to hear the developer had lodged an appeal after Richmond planners denied permission for the former MI6 listening station to be demolished and redeveloped.
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Brag member Guy Thomas said: "There is not only anger about the fact it would be harmful to the immediate neighbours but we are all extremely concerned about the effect on Barnes riverside's character.
"They want to build on every single millimetre they can find."
The proposal would see the "landmark building" replaced by two houses, two flats, office
accommodation and a two-level basement for swimming pools and carparking.
Fellow member Keith Martin added: "The strength of feeling against the appeal is growing by the day."
Last January Richmond's planning committee unanimously rejected the plan to develop the site for a second time.
A previous application had also been refused at the appeal stage.
However, Brag is now facing a new written procedure with which to dispute the proposal and Mr Thomas admitted it was a nervous time for its members.
"With all applications and appeals you can never be confident of the outcome.
"We are in a sense nervous about this as it is a procedure we have not come across before," he said.
The group will provide the Bristol-based planning inspectorate with evidence against the development by the end of May and will be told the verdict later this
year.
A Richmond Council spokesman said: "The council will defend robustly its reasons for refusal."
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