A number of properties across the borough are set to be culled from the official list of historic buildings after 'unsympathetic' and even 'unpleasant' alterations.

Many are over 100 years old and have been familiar to generations of residents, however they have been irrevocably changed and some are eyesores.

Key historic features have been removed, while some have had extensions, plastic uPVC windows, modern render and hard standing added.

As a result, Council officials are recommending that they lose their status as 'Buildings of Townscape Merit'.

This status applied to a building or structure which is not statutorily listed, but is recognised for its significance to the history and character of the local environment.

Richmond borough with its rich history and many conservation areas has more than 7,000 properties listed as a BTM.

In theory, local planning officers have the right to give greater scrutiny to planning applications on these properties.

They were introduced in the early 1980s to help draw homeowners' attention to their property in the hope would make only alterations that were sympathetic to the original features. However, it appears this failed to have the desired effect with the properties set to be removed from the list.

The list to be presented to councillors at a meeting this week include a number facing on to Twickenham Green, plus several in the Hampton and Hampton Court areas.

Council says plastic windows can be 'unsympathetic'

The list includes:

* 54 through to 62 on The Green, Twickenham.

Description: 56 and 56 are a pair of houses with single storey projecting shop fronts - built between 1864 and 1893.

58-62 - short parade of shops now amalgamated into one unit - built between 1864 and 1893.

Reasons: Alterations and the introduction of unsympathetic modern materials eg metal and uPVC windows - installation of modern shopfronts. Loss of original features.

Properties overlooking Twickenham Green lose special status

* 16, 18, 20 and 22 Hampton Road, Twickenham.

Description: Two pairs of mid-19th century semi-detached houses built between 1849 and 1864.

Reasons: 16 and 18 have substantial two and three storey roof and side extensions, which dominate the original buildings. 20 and 22 feature roof extensions, which unbalance the symmetry and visual relationship.

Unsympathetic alteration and extensions … have had a negative impact on the character of these buildings and diminished their architectural integrity.

*13 Second Cross Road, Twickenham

Description: One half of a pair of semi-detached cottages built between 1864 and 1894,

Reason: Introduction of unsympathetic modern materials, including uPVC units with unsympathetic glazing patterns and opening types. Front garden given over to hardstanding.

* 10, 12, 14 and 16 Oldfield Road, Hampton.

Description: Two pairs of semi-detached houses built between 1864 and 1894.

Reasons: Substantial extension and alteration, and the introduction of modern, unsympathetic materials.

All have lost their original windows; window openings widened; mix of uPVC and timber windows with unsympathetic glazing patterns and opening styles. This has had a negative impact on the character of the houses.

Substantial two-storey side extensions which have obscured the original buildings, which has 'greatly diminished their architectural integrity'.

* 15 Church Street, Hampton.

Description: Detached 2-storey house built in the late 1920s.

Reasons: Substantial extension and the introduction of modern unsympathetic materials. Original windows replaced with uPVC units; modern render to the first floor; satellite dishes and cabling; substantially extended and rear access stairs are visible; modern brick boundary wall topped with palisade fencing.

Satellite dishes and cabling mean home is downgraded

* St Albans Lodge, Hampton Court Road, Hampton.

Description: Former lodge to St Albans, a house with late 17th century origins, which was demolished in 1972 after it started to collapse.

Reasons: Unsympathetic alteration and the introduction of unsympathetic modern materials. Heavily rendered and is in poor condition with water staining and degrading window frames.

* 99 High Street, Hampton

Description: Built between 1894 and 1913, most likely as an outbuilding or house associated with Elmgrove House.

Reasons: Original building demolished and replaced so the architectural quality has been lost.

* Garage Adj Oldways, Hampton Court Road East

Description: Terraced house built in the 19th century with a ground floor shop.

Reasons: Unsympathetic alterations in both elevations, introducing 'unpleasant' modern materials eg uPVC windows and a

white plastic downpipe.

* Park Cottage, Hampton Court Road East.

Description: Formerly a group of two terraced houses built during the 19th century. Main elevation has been demolished and replaced by a modern building.

Reasons: Unsympathetic alterations in both elevations, introducing 'unpleasant' modern materials, including uPVC windows.