Controversial plans to build homes and a new pub on the Twickenham Riverside are facing a fresh backlash from businesses on Eel Pie Island.

Richmond Council wants to demolish buildings on the site to make way for a new town square development featuring 45 new homes, shops, cafés and a pub.

The scheme is currently being held up by objections from the trustees responsible for the Diamond Jubilee Gardens, which would have to be moved to make way for the scheme

The development would effectively see the removal of car parking – and put limits on delivery vehicle access in terms of size and time of day - along the river front.

The move, which is designed to give priority to pedestrians and cyclists, would be applied through a so-called 'stopping up' order.

Residents and businesses based on Eel Pie island, which sits opposite the site, say this change will make life difficult for them.

In a letter, the Eel Pie Island Bridge Company said: "Businesses on the island from time to time need heavy deliveries involving the use of articulated vehicles.

"It is not always possible to know in advance the type of vehicle a courier will use.

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"The planning application envisages use of the embankment by these vehicles in a controlled manner but does not give any detail of how this will work.

"The stopping up order does not acknowledge this requirement.

"There does not seem to have been any rigorous assessment of the proposal's practicality, its effect on the general area of central Twickenham or the safety implications."

Local Simon Cassini added: "What we have at the moment is a working, mixed use, highly accessible and adaptable, bustling shared riverside which has evolved over many years to service the needs of the island, the town and its many visitors.

"I don't deny it would benefit from a little TLC but this proposal – to tear it all down, build an unnecessary overpowering monolith, concrete it over, and then make access to the area at best difficult, at worst dangerous – seems like the worst possible idea…"

Locals have also raised concerns about the future of the Diamond Jubilee Gardens.

The Twickenham Riverside Trust, which has a 125-year lease on the gardens, has objected to a compulsory purchase order by the Council. A decision on this has been held up by the turmoil in the government and change of ministers.

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The Trust argues that its motive is to protect public space for the residents of the area, while the Council insists the new garden site will be bigger and better.

Around 342 people have objected to the Council redevelopment with other concerns over the size of the apartment blocks planned for the site.

By contrast, 231 people have written in support, saying the development will regenerate the area and help local businesses.

Local David Opperman wrote: "This is a wonderful proposal to enhance Twickenham for the enjoyment of residents like myself and tourists. I thoroughly support it."

Richmond Council has been contacted for comment.