Richmount Gardens

What we're thinking about building on this site

On the larger site in the middle of Richmount Gardens (Site A) we are building:

• Six two-storey, three-bedroom houses with rear gardens 
• A new and improved children’s play area 
• Six parking spaces 

The mature trees and green areas to the north-west and south-east of site will also be left untouched.  

On the smaller site to the south-east (Site B) we have been given approval to build:

• Two, one bedroom semi-detached bungalows with small rear and side gardens 
• Two parking spaces 

These homes will replace the existing garages, and will be built to zero carbon standards, with a contemporary design. 

We have deliberately located the proposed homes away from the end walls of the existing houses to maintain privacy. 

Current status

The designs below have been approved by the Planning team. We are preparing the site for development

How can residents have their say on our plans?

Neighbouring residents were invited to share their views on our plans for this site via our online consultation, in December 2022.

Our proposals have been approved by planners. Submissions for both sites can be viewed here (site A) and here (site B).

Images

Other information

Our responses to questions and points raised during our online consultation and resident meeting.

• How will you replace recreation and play facilities?

  The houses will be of a modern design which meets the latest construction and space standards. It would not be appropriate to copy the two-storey pitched roof design of the surrounding houses, as this style belongs to the post-war era.​ The new homes will be built to the highest quality and, like the surrounding homes, will use brick to compliment the existing houses.

• Not enough parking has been included

  Off-street parking is provided for the new houses on a 1-to basis, so as to not impact on existing local parking provision.​ The parking provision included is considered Planning compliant.​

• Impact on privacy hasn't been considered​

  The frontages of the proposed houses are at least 21 metres from the existing houses opposite, which planners consider to be an acceptable separation distance in terms of overlooking.​

• Loss of the community facility​

  The current community building is dilapidated and was last occupied by a children's nursery and closed in 2018.​ The building would require significant funding to bring up to a usable, modern standard.​ There is adequate provision of nursery and community facilities within walking distance, or a short drive or cycle. ​

• How will the William Mitchell mural in the community building be preserved?​

  Our intention is to preserve this artwork by this important British artist of the post-war period.​ The Council is engaging with the Twentieth Century Society and considering potential options for where the mural could be appropriately relocated.​

• How will you replace recreation and play facilities?​

  A communal amenity space is proposed to be re-provided as part of the new development, the location of which is shown on the plan at the northern end of the site.​

  The Council commits to working with residents to design this space, which will include play equipment.​

• How will the proposals impact on existing trees?​

  A report has been produced for current proposals which includes a tree survey plan and tree protection plan.​ The significant existing trees at the northern end of the site are to be retained as part of the community/play space area.​

  The sycamore at the northern end is being considered for removal as the survey shows this is a low quality 'Category C' tree with defects and a limited safe life expectancy. If this tree is to be removed, it will be replaced with a semi-mature tree of high quality for long-term benefit.​

  The trees at the southern end of the site are to be removed and additional new trees planted in this area, giving a net gain in trees on the site - therefore the development will leave the site with more good quality trees than currently exists.​

• How will pollution be managed during construction​?

  Pollution on site will be managed safely in line with guidance and with due consideration for local residents. ​Pollution management will be conditioned through any Planning approval and included within the construction management plan.​

• How sustainable are the proposed homes?​

  The new homes will be designed and built to a zero-carbon in use clean energy standard, utilizing air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, heating and hot water instead of gas boilers.​

  This approach aligns with the Council's corporate commitments in its Carbon Neutral Plan.​

• Why are the homes laid out this way?​

  The layout of the new houses is designed to have frontages on more than one side of this 'island' site to encourage a neighbourly relationship with the houses across the street.​

  The site layout accommodates re-provided community / play space plus existing and new trees.​

• What will the impact be on general access?​

  The demand for deliveries and services generated by the new dwellings will be adequately accommodated at the kerbside on the highway, as is the case with all the neighbouring properties. Refuse and recycling collection will tie in with the existing established collection arrangements.​

• The new homes could worsen an existing drainage problem​

  The local Planning Authority will consult with Thames Water who will raise any concerns over the capacity of the sewerage network locally.​

  We will take this advice into account when designing the drainage for the new development (this will happen only if our planning application is approved) and this will need to be approved by Thames Water before we can make any connection into the existing system.​

• How will disruption be managed during construction?​

  A condition of any planning approval will be for a Construction Management Plan or similar to be submitted and approved by the Council prior to any construction taking place. This will detail how the contractor will control their operations during the construction period. The Council will also dictate the hours and days of the week when work can be carried out. ​

  
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This page was last updated on

27/03/2024