TEDDINGTON residents who campaigned tirelessly to save their North Lane car park are delighted that the inspector's report into the borough's UDP review has overruled Richmond upon Thames Council's plans.
The inspector recommends that the site is not identified for housing development at present and said the situation in Teddington should be kept under review, particularly in light of the recent opening of a Marks and Spencer store. Technically, this does not mean that the car park cannot be sold but, if the council abides by his recommendation, the site can not have a change in use until further investigation has been completed.
The council have agreed to this and confirm that although a contract was ready to go for the site's sale, it has not been signed. A spokesman said: "In relation to the North Lane car park in Teddington, the inspector considered that there should be a further review of changes in shopping patterns within the town centre before the proposal to change use of the site is adopted. We will abide by this while continuing to monitor the situation closely."
Brian Holder of the Teddington Society was instrumental in organising over 3,000 signatures against losing the car park. He said: "Residents will be absolutely delighted to hear that the UDP inspector recommended that the sale of the North Lane car park should not go ahead without further review. Since the opening of Marks and Spencer in December both the High Street and Broad Street have experienced a significant increase in business, with additional pressure on the limited number of on and off-road parking spaces. We cannot afford to lose this valuable and well-used overflow car park."
He added: "We continue to support the council's wish to sell the depot building for redevelopment - it has been an eyesore for many years. It should be possible to sell the depot site leaving the car park more or less as it is."
The Teddington Society, residents and businesses look forward to being consulted about the future of this important site in central Teddington."
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