BATTLE lines have been drawn over plans to redevelop Twickenham Riverside with two new buildings – containing 45 apartments - that some have criticised as 'overbearing' and 'monolithic'.

Richmond Borough Council has formally lodged a planning application for the site, which has been at the centre of controversy for more than 30 years.

The Council insists the scheme, which includes a pub, offices, café and children's play area, will provide a new heart to Twickenham with building to start next spring.

However, the Riverside Action Group (RAG), which was set up in 2015 and represents residents across Twickenham and Richmond, has raised a series of concerns.

Nub News has published images showing how the scheme will look. It is dominated by two new buildings, including one at Wharf Lane, which is five storeys high with a pub and offices on the ground floor and apartments above.

A second on Water Lane, which connects the centre of Twickenham with the riverside, contains a mix of shops and a café on the ground floor with apartments above.

For decades, many residents wanted the site, which includes the Diamond Jubilee Gardens, protected as public open space with the addition of a lido.

The Gardens are overseen by the Twickenham Riverside Trust, which was founded in 2011 with the primary purpose of preserving, protecting and improving the riverside for the benefit of the public. They currently hold the site under a 125 lease, which appears to be under threat.

A newsletter from RAG states: "We are very aware that many Twickenham residents – including us at RAG – have been waiting a long time for the derelict site on the Riverside to be dealt with and may now be impatient just to 'get it done'.

"But, that can produce the wrong outcome."

RAG pointed out that one architect, who was formerly a member of the design panel looking at the scheme, has described the Water Lane building as 'uninteresting' and 'monolithic'.

But they are more critical of the second block, stating: " It is the Wharf Lane building which, we argue, is more problematic in the form it is proposed."

They questioned whether the building, which is 21.5m high when viewed from the riverside, could be considered as a "tall, bulky building set on a plinth in a manner that is overbearing in relation to the Embankment".

RAG said: "We have raised the size issue with Council officers and Councillors. Our representations have, however, been ignored…"

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.

In a damning conclusion, they add: "The plan is to build lots of flats with some retail/office use on the ground floor, plus a café and a 'pub/restaurant', with many paved areas.

"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."

A document published by the Council outlining its plans insists: "Twickenham Riverside represents an enormous opportunity to create a heart for the town."

It adds: "The careful integration of building, landscape and riverfront experience can create a new flourishing centre for the local area.

"It is a place where people can enjoy the full beauty and utility of the riverside, improving the physical, social and psychological links between the river and the town.

"A fully mixed-use development of shops, offices and social spaces together with a newly invigorated Diamond Jubilee Gardens, whilst respecting the needs of Eel Pie Island, can create a location where people can work, live, play, enjoy and thrive."

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