Council chiefs have unveiled the Local Plan with residents given a chance to comment on a move to 20-minute neighbourhoods.

Richmond Council have published details of the new Local Plan, which will shape development in the borough for the next decade and beyond.

Central to the plan is a desire to create 20 minute neighbourhoods, which is the idea that most households should be able to find everything they need with a short walk, cycle or bus ride.

The idea has been demonised by some – particularly on the right of politics – as some sort of effort to restrict people's freedom of movement.

Central to the plan is a desire to create 20 minute neighbourhoods, which is the idea that most households should be able to find everything they need with a short walk, cycle or bus ride. Credit: RBC.

However, a number of local councils run by parties from across the political spectrum are supportive of moving to 20-minute neighbourhoods. These include Conservative run Surrey County Council.

The new approach is seen as making a contribution to combatting climate change by removing cars from the road.

The philosophy is often associated with the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), which do prevent access to roads that are used as rat runs.

Richmond Council has been keen to stress that LTNs do not feature in the Local Plan. However, it is clear the door has been left open to supporting the policy at some point in the future under what the Council calls its Active Travel Strategy.

The Council stressed moving to a 20-minute neighbourhood does not restrict freedom to travel.

It said: "Most people live within the catchment area of multiple centres, and for them '20-minute neighbourhoods' is already a reality. The policy seeks to protect and enhance the services available while encouraging more walking and cycling."

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of Richmond Council's Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee. Credit: RBC.

It said efforts will be made to support people who can't walk or cycle, adding: "Every intervention necessary will be encouraged such as providing more public seating, encouraging the use of electric bikes, as well as retaining, and where appropriate, enhancing, provision of Blue Badge parking."

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of Richmond Council's Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: "The Council is working hard in various ways to make our borough a vibrant, inclusive and healthy place for all our communities.

"To achieve that, we must evolve to meet changing needs, including the need for homes, green and social spaces, education and jobs, whilst addressing the impact of climate change and economic challenges.

"A Local Plan cannot tackle all of these challenges on its own, but it does set out our vision to accommodate growth through guiding and managing development.

"Allowing for sustainable growth in Richmond upon Thames will help ensure that this is an affordable place for people to live, at any stage of their life, and that there is sufficient infrastructure, jobs, services and amenities to support a growing population.

"And, of course, that all of this is delivered in a way that helps us meet our goal of being carbon neutral as a borough by 2043."

For more details and to take part in the consultation see this link - https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/planning/planning_policy/local_plan/draft_local_plan/draft_local_plan_publication_version/local_plan_explained#Commenting_on_the_plan