The York House Society has joined other community groups in opposing Council plans to redevelop Twickenham Riverside to create a new heart for the town.

Council leaders have proposed a major redevelopment of the prime location to create housing, a new public square with shops, a pub and café.

The scheme also involves moving the Diamond Jubilee Gardens to create a new public open space, which has proved particularly controversial.

Key to the scheme is creating a new riverside promenade and effectively putting pedestrians first by removing car parking and traffic access.

The Lib-Dems made pushing ahead with the redevelopment a major plank of their policy platform at the local elections in May and they enjoyed a virtual wipe-out victory. By contrast, the Conservatives, who opposed the scheme, were left with just one councillor.

Despite the fact the Lib-Dems won the overwhelming backing of voters, a number of local community groups continue to oppose the scheme.

The York House Society, which is the longest established Amenity Society in borough, aims to preserve the amenities of the locality. It encourages the planning and protection of trees, promotes respect for historic buildings and their architectural features.

It said: "Whilst development of the derelict part of the site is something which we all want to see, there have been many concerns expressed by our members over the last few months."

Its main concerns are:

* The height of the buildings, in particular those on Wharf Lane to provide 24 privately owned flats and a pub which are felt to be too high and overbearing on the Riverside.

* The loss of the Diamond Jubilee Gardens which members feel offer a safe and secure space for people of all ages to

enjoy.

* Concerns about the siting of the new events space. There are concerns about its position both in terms of flooding and of safety for pedestrians as it will be used as a road at certain times and as the cycle route.

* The position of the new playground which will not be as safe as the existing one.

* Private housing occupying the site now the playground and Café Sunshine

* The inclusion of a pub, given that there are 20 public houses within walking distance of the Riverside.

* Concerns about traffic plans and access to the site.

* Overlooking and loss of light for residents in Water Lane and across Wharf Lane.

* Inadequate consideration of flooding and climate change issues.

Other objections have been raised by the Twickenham Riverside Trust, the Twickenham Society and the Eel Pie Island Association.

The transformational scheme is due to debated at a special meeting of Richmond Council's planning committee at the Civic Centre on Thursday, November 24, at 7pm.