Richmond Council has approved plans to redevelop a home in Twickenham despite objections from neighbouring residents.

The approved application will see a property at 8 Ellesmere Road, Twickenham undergo a substantial extension, including a part single-storey and part two-storey side and rear extension, alongside new pitched roofs, roof lights and the removal of an existing chimney.

The application was considered by Richmond Council's planning committee, where neighbouring residents raised concerns about the scale of the development and its potential impact on surrounding homes.

Heather Harrison, speaking on behalf of neighbour Lia van Bekhoven, who was unable to attend, and neighbouring resident Christopher Martin both spoke against the plans during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Bryan Staff, acting as consultant for the applicant, and homeowner Mikaela Hedin spoke in support of the proposal.

Despite opposition, planning officers recommended approval, stating the extension although sizeable was considered appropriate given the property's location and surrounding character.

The Council report said: "The proposed development is of generous proportions, however owing to the site's individual context, it would respect the character and form of the existing house, Ellesmere Road and the Ravensbourne Road and East Twickenham Character Areas."

Committee members acknowledged concerns raised by neighbours, particularly regarding the two-storey rear extension, but noted the property had already been granted permitted development rights in October 2025 for a larger extension proposal that had not yet been built.

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Councillors said many of the current plans actually represented an improvement on what had previously been allowed under permitted development.

During discussions, members expressed frustration that homeowners are sometimes able to make significant alterations under national permitted development rules that do not fully align with the council's own house extension guidance.

To address privacy concerns, planning officers introduced an additional condition requiring two lower roof lights serving bedroom four and the landing area to remain permanently fixed shut and flush with the roofline.

The condition was added "to protect the visual amenities of the property and area in general and so not unreasonably increase the level or perception of overlooking to neighbouring properties."

Committee members also said they hoped the applicant and neighbours would continue discussions moving forward given the strength of concerns raised during the process.

To read the full Council report on the application click here.