PROPOSALS for 160 flats and a shopping centre at Twickenham train station have been branded 'ugly' and 'visually damaging' by residents.
A planning application was submitted to Richmond Council last month by developers Solum Regeneration, which detailed plans to build a more modern station, create a riverside walk and build two nine storey high blocks of flats.
Computer images of these proposals have been slated by community groups who believe that the developers have ignored their concerns despite holding a public consultation during the summer.
John Milner of Twickenham Residents Action Group (TRAG), said: "Frankly, TRAG are shocked that Solum have submitted proposals for such an ugly, overbearing and visually damaging development as this.
"We expected that, in the five months since their consultation, Solum would have come up with a better design than this. Solum clearly haven't listened to local residents concerns about the scale, massing, density and appearance of this incredibly unsympathetic scheme. Is this good enough for Twickenham for the next 50 to 100 years.
"The visual impact of it is going to strike people from all directions. It's hardly saying welcome to Twickenham."
At the beginning of October, Richmond Council set guidelines that limit the height, design and layout of any new buildings proposed for the Twickenham station area. The cabinet agreed that any proposed developments should be no taller than four or five storeys.
The plans have been drawn up in the hope that the development will be completed in time for the rugby World Cup in 2015.
A spokesman for Solum Regeneration, said: "Solum carried out widespread consultation in the summer and over 400 people filled in response forms. Ninety per cent agreed that the station is in need of development, sixty three per cent, on balance supported the redevelopment plans.
"While the majority of respondents have been supportive, a significant number of local people expressed concerns about the scheme, particularly the height of the proposed buildings. The scheme has therefore been significantly changed from the plans shown during the consultation process in response to comments from residents.
"The largest part has been reduced by two storeys and is now lower than it's neighbour, Regal House, and there have been reductions in other areas. The number of homes in the development has also been reduced."
