Time is running out for people to have their final say on plans to turn an office block into a 111-room hotel.

All views on the proposal to redevelop Twickenham’s Regal House into a hotel must be received by the Planning Inspectorate by September 30, after which a decision about the proposed high-rise block will be determined.

The proposal was rejected by Richmond Council’s planning committee in June, despite officers recommending that it be approved.

Overwhelming objections to the application, which proposed the partial demolition of the first floor of the building, in London Road, and the erection of a staggered multi-storey building, to accommodate a hotel, bar and restaurant, and the loss of 36 parking spaces were received.

Conservative planning spokesman, Councillor Virginia Morris, described the proposal as “a Croydon-on-Thames”.

However, the developers lodged an appeal last month and the proposal will now go before the Planning Inspectorate, which will decide if the hotel complex should be given the green light.

With just days to go objectors are being urged to come forward by Conservative parliamentary candidate for Twickenham, Deborah Thomas.

She said: “As many as possible must object by September 30 and time is running out.

“The scale of Regal House is such that it not only blocks light from surrounding houses and dwarfs those who live in its shadow, but also blights the centre and north of Twickenham.

“Residents should regard the public inquiry as a fresh chance to put their case, and should be impassioned – this decision will affect Twickenham for a long time to come.

“High-rise is inappropriate in the centre of Twickenham and this development takes no account of the social impact of poor decision making; the noise, disturbance, vandalism, smell, strain on services and parking.”

A petition against the development has also been launched, which will be handed to the Planning Inspectorate as evidence as to why the committee’s decision should not be overturned.

To add your name to the petition email deborah@deborah 4twickenham.com.

A spokesman from Richmond Council said that a public enquiry will take place on January 5, 6 and 7, 2010, and all parties who lodge an interest before the deadline will be contacted.