Opinions wanted on how borough develops

5.58.25pm GMT Sat 6th Feb 2010

• PROVIDING a sustainable future, protecting local character and meeting the needs of people living and working in the borough will form the basis for Richmond Council's Development Management Plan, now out for public consultation.

All new developments will ultimately need to be in line with these policies as they will be used by the Council's Planning Committee when members decide on applications submitted in the borough. Many policies are based on the previous development plan, however new areas of policy include renewable or alternative energy generation reducing flood risk. There would also be further protection of back gardens from development. There are also policies encouraging well designed homes, giving priority to affordable housing and infrastructure and providing flexibility to help business in the recession. The Plan includes guidance on sufficient parking for new developments and requires car free development in the more accessible locations.

Cllr Geoff Acton, Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Environment & Planning, said:: "This report has been prepared following a series of public workshops and a series of cross party Local Development Framework [LDF] panels. It is now going out for public and stakeholder consultation after Cabinet, Scrutiny and Council approval. We look forward to receiving as many comments as possible and encourage all to let us know their views."

The Council wants to hear people's views and will then consider amendments before submitting the Plan to an independent Examination in Public. A draft version is online and in libraries, and residents are being asked to comment between now and Friday 12 March. Completed responses should be sent to Evie Bissell, Policy and Design, Richmond Council, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ, or completed online. The Council would like as many individuals, businesses and associations to comment on the documents as possible. Email ldfadvice@richmond.gov.uk or phone Evie Bissell on 020 8891 7322 for more information on the documents.

Related Link:

• Local Development Framework