Following the Secretary of State's call in of September 2003 of the temporary scheme proposed by Richmond Council for the old baths site on Twickenham Riverside, the planning application to open up a section of the site has now been approved by the Secretary of State.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has finally informed Richmond Council that its application for a children's play area and demolition of the existing buildings can go ahead as outlined in the original proposal of April 2003.

Commenting on the announcement, Cllr Tony Arbour, leader of Richmond Council said: "This is very good news indeed. The ODPM's decision has finally vindicated this council's determination to regenerate that part of Twickenham riverside and enhance the area for all who live here and visit the town.

"For almost 25 years the riverside has been blighted by the derelict pool building. Its removal and replacement with open space and a playground will vastly improve the area. The scheme will radically improve the former pool site.

"The building on the Embankment will be demolished and replaced with a hard and soft landscaped public open space. A children's playground will be provided on Wharf Lane with facilities for toddlers and older children.

"A community arts project will produce a river-related mural and art installation in the playground. A range of planting, landscaping and other environmental improvements will also be included in the scheme."

The Secretary of State concluded that the scheme would provide valuable public open space whilst preserving and enhancing the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. He also concluded that the scheme was in accord with the Council's Unitary Development Plan and the London Plan and that it would not prejudice the future redevelopment of the site as a whole.

Since the pool - built in the mid 1930s - was closed in 1981 three public inquiries have been conducted by the Secretary of State into planning applications for the site, and none have succeeded nor proved popular with local people.

Richmond's cabinet has agreed there should be a further planning application for a café on a terrace overlooking the Thames, new public toilets (including disabled access) and baby change facilities. This is expected by the end of 2004. This short-term scheme, planned for completion by early spring 2005, is intended to have a life span of up to five years whilst the council continues its progress on developing a viable and appropriate policy framework for the whole site.

Some opposition to the temporary scheme continues on various grounds, including the use of only a part of the site which is at the far end away from bird-feeding and popular activities. Many also regard the 1930s building as worthy of retention

See the Planning Inspector's decision letter and report

Friday, June 18, 2004

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