Thirty-five objections have been received in the planning application to demolish garages behind shops on Richmond Hill.

Three supporting comments were received and two observational comments.

The planning application, submitted to Richmond Council by the Malins Group would see the "dilapidated" garages behind Onslow Road demolished and a new three-bedroom family home put in its place.

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However, owners of shops on Richmond Hill say that if the garages were to be demolished their shops are at risk of closure.

The shops, including La Luna di Luca, Richmond Hill Dry Cleaners, and Richmond Hill Bakery, use the garages for parking, bin provision, storage provision, delivery access, and unloading and loading space which could leave the shops no longer viable to operate. 

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.

Shops on Richmond Hill may have to close. (Photo Credit: Heather Nicholls).

Many of the objections received during the neighbour consultation phase, which has now closed have echoed these concerns.

One objection, from a resident of Onslow Road, said "We are concerned as to whether the consultation has been sufficiently wide.

"Although we are very nearby residents, we received no notice of the application and no invitation to what we see described as the Malins open event, and have only learned of the application in the last two days."

She added that whilst the use of the existing site is an "eyesore" she would "object to permission being given to change the use unless it is first established - which it is not - that the important local shopping facilities are all adequately provided for."

She also shared concerns about parking and whether the new house would be in keeping with the area, which is under a conservation zone.

The planning application has received 35 objections. (Photo Credit: Planning Application).

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

Other objections, including one from The Richmond Society, raise concerns over traffic on Friar Stiles Road.

Their objection says: "If the storage and parking facilities are removed one consequence is likely to be even greater traffic congestion on Friars Stile Road and surrounding roads from customers and delivery vehicles.

"This is a road used by many parents and children walking to the Vineyard School and increased traffic congestion will compromise safety and air quality.

It adds: "At worst some of the businesses on either side of Friars Stile Road might not survive with a potential domino effect on other ones. This would be contrary to the draft Local Plan which envisages local communities."

There are also objections raised surrounding the loss of sunlight to neighbouring properties.

The three supportive comments state they support the proposal as it will remove the garages that are an "eyesore" in the local area.

The case officer is now assessing the entire case in detail and reviewing the comments that have been submitted.