A public inquiry into the refusal of planning permission for a major development in Kew has drawn the support of residents backing the council’s decision to block it.

On the opening day of the inquiry on Tuesday, it was announced the Kew Society and Kew Residents’ Association, along with Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith and his predecessor Susan Kramer, would all speak in favour of the plan being thrown out.

The proposal for 111 new flats, a care home and commercial office space on the former Inland Revenue site in Ruskin Avenue, was refused in September 2009, but developer Parkway Luxembourg refused to accept the decision and launched an appeal.

The scheme was thrown out over fears of over-development of the site, which would not be in keeping with the rest of the area, and its impact on residents in terms of light and privacy.

Sukie Tamplin, team leader for appeals and enforcement for Richmond Council, told the inquiry that figures showed light levels would be impaired by the proposed buildings, and posed a detriment to existing residents.

She said: “Here we have an existing situation that is being changed by a new development – just because something is less than ideal, in my professional opinion, is not a reason to enforce something.

“I think these figures [provided by developers] clearly show people are living in rooms that are gloomier than they should be, but what we are saying is not right is that more people will be put in the position where they will have to rely on electric lighting more than daylight.”

A letter issued by Kew Residents’ Association agreed with Miss Tamplin’s point, and questioned the effect of a large building close to existing homes.

Wendy Crammond, acting chairwoman, wrote: “The development would have an overbearing and un-neighbourly impact on residential occupiers in existing dwellings.”

But Harriet Townsend, representing the developer, said: “[They] are misapplying the guidance [on light levels] – this is how should the guidance be applied, not applying it at whim, and this scheme meets the requirements.”

The inquiry, due to finish today, has been adjourned until September 29.