Developers St George condemned over Kew Bridge appeal

Scheme labelled a "feeble vision" by councillors

Local councillors have called for a rethink on the controversial Kew Bridge development following the news that developers St George plan to appeal against the decision to refuse planning permission for a scheme that could see eight storey apartment blocks built on the site.

"The intensity of local interest, awareness and activity around the Kew Bridge development is a testament to the recognition among local people and councillors that it is a landmark site of unique importance. Any development must make the river side an integral and accessible part of the community, enhance the visual look and establish a bold and coherent design vision.

Unfortunately St George's proposal doesn't meet these high aspirations of the local community".

The four councillors - Ron Bartholomew, Ruth Cadbury, Patrick Edwards and Valerie Lamey - are keen to point out that they are not opposed to the priciple of the site being developed.

"Local opposition has never been to development but to the nature and quality of the plans proposed and it is deeply regrettable that a company with the experience and considerable resources of St George's could only propose an unimaginative and over developed scheme that provides little for local people, and does nothing to enhance such a prominent site. It would only compound matters further if St George's were to pursue this feeble vision by continuing with their appeal to the planning inspector."

They concluded by calling on the whole community to come together to find a solution.

"Lets all - The Council, St George's and local people - step back, take a deep breath and use any wit and energy we have to work together to bring forward a plan that does real justice to the Kew Bridge Site and which of we can all in future be proud" .

5 April 2005