The draft planning guidelines for the future of the Crane Valley have been published for consultation.

It identifies four areas for development: Harlequins RFU practice ground, Richmond College and playing fields on the A316, the Post Office sorting office on London Road and the council depot at Craneford Way.

The remainder of the area - the current and former allotments, the Rifle Club, a strip of private land and the corridors of the Crane and Duke of Northumberland's Rivers, are identified for enhancement and open space. The Craneford East and West playing fields will be kept and improved.

The document states its objective is to define the Local Planning Authority's intentions for the wider area in which these sites sit; matters which need to be considered by all landowners, as well as specific matters for each of the four sites.

"Richmond upon Thames Council is concerned over the cumulative impacts of the development proposals within the area, particularly that development should be compatible in scale and character with the local area, and acceptable in traffic and transport terms."

The framework will be issued as supplementary planning guidance as and when applications for the sites identified for development come forward. "The Framework is subject to public consultation and will be a strong material planning consideration when applications are decided," the report continues.

Allotments are among the areas that contribute to the mix in the Crane valley

All applications for development within the framework area will have to submit environmental assessments for

• Impact on the River Crane, including surface water runoff, flooding and drainage;
• Impact on community facilities and public services, in particular school places and open space and sporting facilities;
• Impact on the transport network, air quality and noise;
• Visual impact, especially of larger buildings;
• Impact of construction including use of materials and resources used;
• Impact on and protection and enhancement of the West London Green Chain.

Detail in the report reveals a commitment to environmental enhancements for the river banks, sympathetic residential development along more traditional lines like those found in older parts of the borough, walkable neighbourhoods, eco-friendly buildings, and a welcoming environment accessible to the whole community.

"There will need to be a careful modulation of building heights, and particular care taken within the design of the roofline and roof features, as well as care with materials," states the report, which concedes that flood risk will be a major factor in the development of these sites.

A listed building in the council's Craneford Way depot will be retained

There is also emphasis on affordable housing, cycle routes, public transport provision, careful traffic management and restoration and retention of listed buildings, including a cobbled footway. The report makes it clear that developers will be expected to conform to the guidelines and provide reports and assessments with a high level of detail when making applications.

The consultation is open for comment from all interested parties until November 15.

See the consultation on the Crane Valley draft planning guidelines

Monday, October 4, 2004

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