Controversial plans to build Richmond homes return

More than 230 locals objected to the original plans for Hampton Hill, which were thrown out in 2020, with fears the development would “dwarf” the area and cause traffic chaos.

The number of homes and heights of the buildings proposed remain the same in the latest application from housing association Notting Hill Genesis.

The plans would see 112 homes built across buildings between three and five storeys tall on St Clare Business Park and Windmill Road.

CGI of proposed terraced homes. Credit: Notting Hill Genesis/AHR

Offices and industrial buildings already on the site, some occupied and some vacant, would be bulldozed.

The only architectural change from the refused plans is an increase in commercial floorspace in one of the blocks, with the car parking spaces cut from 125 to 106 to make way for the addition.

A new entrance on Windmill Road would be created for pedestrians and vehicles.

The original application was thrown out by Richmond Council in December 2020 over concerns about the affordable housing proposed and that too much industrial space would be cut.

 The planned number of homes to be offered at London Affordable Rent has increased from 17 to 21, while shared ownership homes have been cut from 39 to 35.

Credit: Notting Hill Genesis/ AHR

London Affordable Rent is typically up to £168 for a one-bed and £178 for a two-bed.

A statement with the plans says: “The building proposals will resolve the tensions between the existing industrial activity and the neighbouring residential properties and improve the visual appearance of this part of Hampton Hill while providing more jobs and much needed new homes, including 50% affordable housing.”

It comes after residents sent 232 letters of objection to the council on the original application, with concerns that it proposed too many homes, too high buildings and would cause “chaotic” traffic.

One worried neighbour wrote: “I am extremely opposed to this proposed development.

"It is completely inappropriate for our wonderful village and will have a disastrous negative impact.

"It is proposing too many dwellings, and 3 and 5-storey buildings are not in keeping with the rest of the buildings in the area.

"They will encroach on light and privacy of existing dwellings and a 5-storey block will dominate the skyline in every direction.”

She added: “The impact on traffic in Windmill Road and the High Street will be disastrous, quite apart from the aesthetics of the development being totally alien to our beautiful village.”

Another objector said: “I live in School Road Avenue and if this development goes ahead it will change the whole area.

"It is too high, there are too many properties, not enough parking and it will ruin what I believe to be a conservation area.”

Another neighbour said he was concerned the traffic would be “chaotic” and disrupt Windmill Road and surrounding streets.

A fourth wrote: “The height of the houses and in particular the [five-storey] apartment block will tower over everything in the area.

"It will dwarf the church on the high street.”

A spokesperson for Notting Hill Genesis said it had taken on board comments from the council’s planning committee and had increased the amount of new employment space proposed for St Clare Business Park.

The spokesperson said: “The existing buildings at St Clare Business Park date back to the 1970s and 1980s and are no longer fit for purpose.

“Redevelopment of the site presents an opportunity to provide new homes and commercial space to complement the surrounding area and contribute to the borough’s housing targets.

"At St Clare, we are committed to providing high-quality homes, including 50% affordable housing, that meet the needs of local people and commercial units to maximise local employment opportunities.”