Shop Owners on Richmond Hill say they will have to close their doors if a scheme to demolish the "dilapidated" garages behind Onslow Road goes ahead. 

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.

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).  

The garages which could be demolished. (Photo Credit: Planning Application).

The application says the house will deliberately be set back from the existing row of houses so as to not "compete visually in the streetscene" and will use a red brick that ties in with the other buildings. 

But owners of Richmond Hill shops, such as La Luna di Luca, Richmond Hill Dry Cleaners and Richmond Hill Bakery, say their businesses are at risk of closure if these plans go ahead. 

The shop owners say the plans will "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. 

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

Currently, the shops use the garages that are set to be demolished as storage for their businesses.

In a change.org petition, they say the planning application is unclear on how these needs will be sustained which means that there would be no commitment or expectation for them to be provided as part of the build.

Martina Mohanty, owner of La Luna di Luca said: "We must reiterate that we oppose the planning application in its current format and hope to come to an amicable solution with the developers adhering to and respecting not just what was previously promised but also demonstrating a sympathetic approach to what is nonetheless a conservation area in their proposed build ultimately benefiting not just themselves financially but also preserving a vibrant, still striving community so rare in the current climate. 

"We have been proud and honoured to serve this community for almost 10 years and hope to continue for another."

Comments already issued by neighbours also claim that the building may reduce natural light for existing properties, obstruct the view of St Matthias Church and change the character of the area. 

The planning statement says that the demolition will remove "redundant garages with asbestos roofs, hardstanding, cluttered 'back of house' of the Friars Stile Road commercial units and unattractive stair core to 19-23 Friars Stile Road."

The location of the shops and garages. (Photo Credit: Planning Application).

It adds: "This is, therefore, an exciting opportunity for the creation of a unique, high quality scheme which can improve the character and appearance of this part of the conservation area, and better reveal the significance of the Building of Townscape Merit. 

"As detailed in the Heritage Report, "this design response improves, as well as secures, the long-term use of a small, neglected, backland plot, restoring quality to an existing Building of Townscape Merit and helping to better reveal, and make reference to, the connection to the well-known architect's Eric Lyons, Geoffrey Paulson Townsend and Span Developments, providing a stimulating environment to inhabit".

The planning application also states that the development has passed all related tests in regards to light, overshadowing gardens and open space.

Residents have until 9 October to give feedback on the proposal.

See the full application here.