HEW stands for Hamilton road Electricity Works. This website is run by a group of local residents from the Twickenham Green area who have formed an action group in order to campaign against plans to demolish these historic industrial buildings and replace them with a large development of flats. The campaign does not seek to prevent the development of this site, rather we would like to see these historic buildings tastefully converted into attractive flats to fit in better with the surrounding area which comprises primarily of Victorian cottages and terraced housing.

The greatest victory to date for the campaign came in April 2006 when the original plans for redevelopment (submitted in October 2005) were rejected by the council planning department, due to deficiencies in several key areas. However, new plans have recently been submitted by the developers so the battle to save HEW continues.

Why are people objecting to these plans? The developer's current plan envisages 31 flats and one workshop on a site that at present houses three mid-Victorian buildings of townscape merit that are also part of the Twickenham Green conservation area. The land is situated at the end of Hamilton Road, a quiet residential street near the Crane river. For more details on the current plans, click here to go to the Planning Applications online at Richmond Council. The existing buildings were once warehouses for the Twickenham Electricity Works which closed in the 1960's. None of the buildings are higher than three floors yet under the plans to replace them, the highest building would be a height of 4 storey's.

The developers plan to demolish two of three existing buildings, replacing them with modern loft-style apartments. Local residents are united in their opinion that these plans do not represent a design that is in keeping with the surrounding buildings, both in terms of the style and scale of the proposals.

What should replace them? Local residents would like to see a development that makes use of all the old buildings and complements the character of the area. Within the past year the area has been designated as a conservation area and is known to be a haven for wildlife such as bats and foxes and should, therefore, be preserved as much as possible. Campaigners are adamant that whatever is to be developed must be sympathetic to the surrounding buildings as well as minimising the disruption that is likely to be caused by adding further homes to this, already crowded, part of the town.

Parking problem

Those who know this area will be aware that parking is a major problem for local residents. The streets are mostly narrow cul-de-sacs with no off-street parking, so the proposed development of flats would only serve to exacerbate this problem, not to mention increase the flow of traffic along these, already busy, roads.

Lend your Support We would be delighted to receive your support, particularly if you live in the area or visit it regularly. You can register your objections on the LBRUT planning website or alternatively write to your local councillor. Our group has been boosted by the support of the Local MP, Vincent Cable, and a number of local councillors, as well as several other local organisations and groups.

If you would like to contact us, whether to offer to help, or simply to give feedback or comments, please email our group at enquiry@hew.org.uk.

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