The developers behind plans to build three luxury homes on a site in Twickenham have responded to concerns about a loss of protected trees.

Nub News reported yesterday that more than 120 residents have complained about the proposed development on the St Margarets Business Park.

The focus of the concern has been the loss of four out of a group of 12 protected trees on the site.

Residents say the trees and associated planting have been in place since the business park was given planning permission in the 1980s.

They argue that the land involved, which has been festooned with 'Save Our Trees' placards and bunting, should be preserved as a safe green space to be used by the community, particularly children.

Local children have place placards and banners on the trees.

Such is the controversial nature of the scheme that the planning application has been referred to the Planning Committee tonight – Wednesday – for a decision by councillors.

The company behind the scheme is a local development business called Sheen Lane Developments, which insists the proposal has taken the concerns of residents into account.

An original plan to build four homes on the land would have involved removing virtually all the trees. This was rejected by Richmond Borough Council in 2020 in a decision that was upheld by a planning appeal inspector.

The development is being recommended for approval by the Council's own planning officials, who have consulted the authority's own tree preservation officers.

A spokesman for the developer said: "This site in St Margarets, is currently a privately owned car park, that is not in public use.

"Our first application for the development of the site proposed four houses in a continuation of the existing Godstone Road terrace, and the removal of the majority of trees on site.

"This application was refused in November 2020 and upheld at planning appeal on two grounds – the loss of trees on site and the impact upon the local character of the area."

Artists impression of the new homes (credit RBC)

He added: "With the benefit of hindsight, local resident opinion, and the determination of the first application by this Local Authority and the Planning Inspector, we acknowledge that our first application got it wrong, and our strategy of tree removal rather than retention was misguided and would have detrimentally impacted upon the character of the street scene.

"In preparing this revised application, we have listened.

"Through a change of design team, and a change in approach, we now have a scheme that is supported by Richmond's Tree Officers and enables this underutilised site to make an active contribution whilst addressing those previous concerns.

"The removal of trees is an emotive issue, and tree retention on site has been critical to the new design.

"Of the 12 trees currently on site, our proposals require the removal of 4 class B, C & U trees with an additional six new trees being provided on site, along with a detailed landscaping and tree management strategy.

"The scheme has been reduced from 4 to 3 family houses, and these houses have been reorientated to Winchester Road instead of Godstone Road.

"The built footprint and building lines have been located in such a way to ensure the trees along the northern boundary have sufficient space, root protection zones are protected, and the all-important tree cover is maintained."