On Thursday 28th May, Richmond Councillors Mumford, Nicholson, Ball, Davies and Morgan voted for the destruction of 79 much needed garages, street scene trees and an award winning community garden.

Three garages sites -Sherland Road Twickenham, Shacklegate Lane and Railway Road Teddington, all came under the hammer. The voting pattern was identical and along party lines.

Indeed, this pattern has been observed at many planning committee meetings – especially those involving controversial and / or Council owned sites.

No consideration is afforded to objections from residents. Council Officers and Councillors think nothing of ignoring their own policies and it would appear that for every Policy, there is a “get out clause”.

The Liberal Democrat Councillors on the Committee: Didn't think that 10 metres under the minimum distance of 20 metres for over looking was un-neighbourly and therefore enough of a reason to refuse permission.

Didn’t think that the loss of light to the adjacent house was enough to refuse permission.

Didn’t think that going against TRN5 (presumption against removal of garages) was enough of a reason as no precedent had been set. How can a precedent be set if you never set one?

Didn’t think that destroying four healthy mature street scene trees was a enough of a reason because the Tree Department Officer who couldn't tell the difference between tree species) didn’t think they were up to much anyway. He stated in an email months before a planning application was even submitted that they would be felled.

Didn’t think that the higher roof height and extractor vents sticking out of the roof tops, dwarfing the adjacent Victorian cottages and blighting the visual amenity was enough to refuse permission.

Didn’t think it was a problem that the ecology of the area would suffer as there was insufficient room for any viable public planting.

Didn't think it was a problem that the tenants wouldn't be able to buy CPZ permits or have a parking space.

Didn't think they might still own a car or have use of a car and have to park it somewhere.

The "architect" of the uninspired, one size and design fits all housing suggested that the new tennants be made to maintain the "ecology" in their gardens, in an attempt to make up for the loss of an extensive planted area, which has attracted eight environmental and community awards.

I know of many other residents across the Borough who have had similar experiences of planning committees run and voted on party lines and it seems there is also little consistency.

During a brief recess last Thursday, a lady came up to me and expressed her disgust at the way in which the Sherland Road site had been discussed and decided.

It was indeed a sham and proof indeed it was a "done deal" a long time ago. The whole planning process is in dire need of reform.