Shopowners on Richmond Hill have withdrawn objections that were submitted to a planning application after concerns arose that the shops may have had to have shut down if the demolition went ahead.

The shopowners say that they have now received clarity and are satisfied that "there will be no detrimental effect to the amenity, community or vibrancy of the area",

The planning application seeks to demolish the "dilapidated" garages behind Onslow Road.

If approved, the application submitted to Richmond Council by the Malins Group would see the garages - behind the row of commercial units - flatted to make way for a three-bedroom family home.

The garages which could be demolished if the planning application goes ahead. (Photo Credit: Planning Application).

It also seeks permission to "alter and improve" the existing rear stair core at Friars Stile Road, which is recognised by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames as a Building of Townscape Merit (BTM).  

Shop owners on Richmond Hill were concerned that the plans would "drastically" reduce their parking, bin provision, storage provision, delivery access and unloading and loading space which could leave the shops no longer viable to operate. 

The planning application received over 55 objections following the petition which was launched by Richmond Hill shopowners.

Visualisation of the new dwelling. (Photo Credit: Planning Application).

Martina Mohanty (owner of La Luna di Luca) and Hamid Ehtemam (owner of Richmond Hill Dry Cleaners) said: "We feel it is important to update you on the reality of the situation and retract our objections and our Petition from customers, residents, and visitors.

"You will recall that our objections to the application were on the basis that our businesses would be significantly impacted in terms of storage, parking, unloading and loading, deliveries etc, due to a lack of clarity rather than the building of the house, that we have always thought would make a positive contribution to the area."

They continued: "However, thanks to the time that Lauren (the applicant) has personally put in, rather than the exchange of emails with lawyers which led to misunderstandings, we are now completely satisfied that the proposal does not negatively impact our parking, bin provisions, storage, unloading/loading space or delivery access and that all five points on the petition were satisfied in the original proposals. 

"There will be no detrimental effect to the amenity, community or vibrancy of the area and are completely satisfied that the proposed development has no negative impact on its business or others in the area.

"We are satisfied that the details where we required clarity on are now clearly covered and we no longer object to the planning application."