Groups objecting to the planning development for more than 1,000 homes on the banks of the Thames in Mortlake have accused the Council of trying to silence some of them.

The scheme on the site of the former Stag Brewery, which includes a Secondary School, pub, restaurants, cinema, shops and offices, is due to go before the borough's planning committee on Wednesday evening.

Thousands of residents have complained about the scheme, arguing it will overwhelm the area, its roads and public transport system.

Objectors attempted to register eight people to speak at the crucial committee meeting, however they have been told that there is a limit of six.

Thousands of residents have complained about the scheme, arguing it will overwhelm the area, its roads and public transport system.

The Mortlake Brewery Community Group described the limit as an 'outrage', however Council leader, Cllr Gareth Roberts, insists it is a sensible decision.

He argued that if objectors are given more time to speak, then the developers behind the scheme, Reselton, would demand extra time to put their case.

Co-chair of the Community Group, Francine Bates, told Nub News: "We are very disappointed that the Council are sticking to their rigid and narrow rules and only allowing six people to make their objections to the scheme.

"Eight people applied to speak but we were told that two have to step down."

She added: "This is the biggest development in Richmond and will have a major impact across Mortlake, Barnes, North Richmond and Kew.

"It is an insult to the local community to deny us a full opportunity to express our real concerns about this unpopular scheme for the sake of an extra six minutes debate.

"We are having to stand down two key local representatives, Deborah Vogel a long standing resident of over 40 years and Steven Mindel from Barnes Community Association.

"This decision makes a mockery of the Council's stated aim to fully involve the community in decision making."

The Mortlake Brewery Community Group described the limit as an 'outrage', however Council leader, Cllr Gareth Roberts, insists it is a sensible decision.

Among those speaking against the development will be Alistair Johnston, who represents Thames Bank Residents Association, and will reference the loss of green space, most notably the Brewery Field, which has been used for football and other sports.

Also objecting is Avril Dalglish, who is representing West London River Group and is very concerned about the impact of the development on the riverside.

Cllr Roberts responded to the complaints via Twitter saying it would not be a matter of only allowing objectors and extra six minutes.

He said: "Speakers have three minutes to make their points and then the opportunity arises for points of clarification or questions. And then you have the gap between speakers getting up and down to speak. So not six minutes.

"Also, if more slots are offered to objectors, fairness dictates the same be offered to proponents of the scheme.

"I'm sure that those speaking on either side will be able to make their case perfectly well, without the need to add additional speakers on both sides."

He pointed out that some Councils do not offer objectors an automatic right to speak at committee meetings.