AN independent group with thousands of supporters, including Green campaigners, is backing the redevelopment of Twickenham Riverside.

The Council has submitted a planning application to create what it calls a new heart for the town, including a public square on the banks of the Thames.

Central to the scheme is removing parking and closing a through road with the creation of a riverside promenade designed to put people before cars.

The scheme is controversial and competing pressure groups and political parties, who have been arguing over the future of the riverside for 40 years, are divided over the plans.

Now the Twickenham Riverside Park Team (TRPT) has backed the proposal and is asking residents to support the scheme by replying to a consultation on the Council website.

The scheme involves the demolition of buildings on the approach to the riverside. Two new blocks will be constructed to offer a mix of housing, retail, offices, a café, pub and children's playground.

Critics say the site includes too little green and public space, while many argue the land should be used for the creation of an open air swimming pool to reflect the area was home to Twickenham Lido from 1935 until 1980.

In its verdict of the scheme, the TRPT said: "Our principle demands have been met - delivering a massive shift away from car parking to a place for people.

"Attractive open spaces suitable for a range of activities; from concerts, play, markets and places to just gather, sit and relax and socialise.

"A 50/50 mix of affordable and private housing and a range of flexible office, retail and hospitality spaces anchor the proposals and will bring life back to a neglected and underused site."

The group, which has been liaising with councillors and officials for four years, argues the scheme will deliver 'a massive gain for the people and businesses of wider Twickenham'.

Ben Makins co-ordinated the TRPT group. He has been active with the local Green Party, but he has been speaking for himself on the riverside scheme and insisted TRPT is politically independent.

He said: "We feel able to support the scheme being put forward as it has followed a proper process and delivers on the requirements of the brief put together with stakeholder involvement.

"There could always be other options and tastes and opinions will vary but this offers us a good way forward and unlocks the 40 year conundrum of what to do with a mostly derelict and under-utilised site."

The scheme is unlikely to get a smooth path through the planning process. The Riverside Action Group (RAG), which was set up in 2015 and insists it represents residents across Twickenham and Richmond, has raised concerns.

A newsletter from RAG is particularly critical to the two apartment blocks planned on the site, describing one as 'overbearing'.

The group questioned the need to include a pub in the scheme, arguing there are already many others in the area, while raising concerns that drinkers will spill out into the surrounding open spaces.

RAG said the development will also have significantly less green area than exists at the moment for people to enjoy.

They added: "Overall, our impression is that the effect of the Council's proposal will not create a development which fits with the particular characteristics of Twickenham riverside."

Details of the plan and information on how to comment can be found here.