News in Richmond

Dear Londoners,

Usually at this time of year, many of us are hitting the sales, braving the crowds to snap up the bargains. But this isn't a normal year, and once again we find ourselves in lockdown and being told to stay at home unless it's absolutely essential to go out.

A plan for more than 450 new homes off Manor Road in Richmond has been given the go-ahead, with construction expected to begin in the summer.

The £250 million development is on a site currently occupied by businesses including Homebase, Pets At Home and We Buy Any Car.

Empty shop units in Richmond town centre have been transformed by the application of stylish, colourful graphics which showcase the rich cultural, architectural and natural heritage of the area.

Themed around history, culture, nature and local poetry, the graphics have been funded by members of Be Richmond, an alliance of over 300 businesses in the town centre area. Feedback from businesses and residents has been very enthusiastic.

A 12-month extension to the trial traffic reduction measures in Richmond Park has been requested by Richmond Council.

In August, the Royal Parks charity launched its Movement Strategy to reduce the volume of through-traffic in Richmond and Bushy parks and create new car-free spaces.

I was disappointed to hear this week that the Secretary of State for Housing, Robert Jenrick MP, has decided not to 'call in' the Planning Application for the redevelopment of the Homebase site on Manor Road, Richmond.

Local residents will recall that Richmond Council's Planning Committee refused the original application, a mixed-use development, which included 385 homes in a four to nine storey development, in July 2019.

A letter from the Housing Secretary's office sheds light on why Robert Jenrick has decided against calling in a 453-home proposal in Richmond.

It paves the way for a £250 million development at the site currently occupied by Homebase and other businesses off Manor Road.

Twenty six Get Lucky Local players won three FREE tickets in last Saturday's big Richmond Borough community lottery draw. One player, who supports Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club, won a cash prize of £25.

Three more good causes have signed up to the community lottery making 49 and seven organisations are selling 50 or more tickets every week.

A new cake shop is opening in Richmond.

Flavourtown Bakery is opening in The Quadrant in the same space where Hummingbird Bakery traded until recently.

Footage of a dog attacking a deer in Richmond Park has been released in a bid to raise awareness and deter future incidents.

The owner of the dog, a Red Setter, has appeared in court where he was handed a fine.

The first Snowdrops of the year have appeared at Kew Gardens to give light in the winter darkness for both staff and visitors.

The largest clump of Snowdrops – of the Galanthus Elwesii species – flowered in the Rock Garden with more variations expected to blossom over the coming weeks.