Boris Bikes are being installed after neighbours claimed they were not made aware that an appeal had been made once
the initial planning application was refused.

Transport for London (TfL) submitted the original application for 63 docking stations in Ranelagh Gardens, Fulham, in 2012. After stiff opposition from neighbours, Hammersmith and Fulham Council turned down the application on February 27 last year.

However TfL appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and prevailed in October - something neighbours say they were unaware of until they opened their curtains last week to see the pavement being torn up in preparation for 40 Boris Bikes. It comes after getwestlondon reported that Boris Bikes are 'booming' in the capital.

Resident David Tatham said: “Hundreds of us objected to the original application for Boris Bikes on our quiet residential road and, quite rightly, as a result the council threw out the planning application. We thought that was it. Done and dusted. I was absolutely flabbergasted and dismayed to suddenly see the pavement being torn up in front of my house for the Boris Bikes. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

"We knew absolutely nothing about the appeal. The council claims to have sent 249 letters out but as far as we can tell not one of those letters arrived. If they had we would have strongly objected to this appeal and made representations to the Planning Inspectorate.

"It is absolutely ridiculous that these bikes have been situated on our road. It is not on the way to Putney Bridge station and the majority of people who live here are elderly. Those who may cycle already have bikes. They are simply not needed here.”

The council claims to have sent letters on behalf of the Planning Inspectorate to those who made representations about the application, as soon as it was informed on July 18, telling them of the appeal.

The council’s cabinet member for transport, Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler, said: “We agreed with residents that this docking station was inappropriate and refused to grant planning permission to Transport for London for this site.However, TfL appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and unfortunately, our hands are tied as their decision is final.

“On behalf of the Planning Inspectorate in July last year, we mailed out addressed letters to 240 residents who made representations about the original application, notifying them about the appeal and explaining how to contact the Planning Inspectorate for more information.

“It was then up to the Planning Inspectorate to contact residents who had asked to be notified of the outcome with its final decision.”