Toolbox :: The Players

The Developer is either an individual with either little or some experience or a company that has many projects in the works. Developers know the system, the tricks and complex regulations and understand the timescale and tactics and play them to their advantage. The stakes of course for them are counted in millions of pounds usually.

The Council Planners have to follow The Unitary Development Plan (UDP), which sets out the Richmond Borough Council’s proposals for the development and other use of land including measures for the improvement of the physical environment for the next 10 years or so. It has strategic and local policies. Richmond-upon-Thames for example places strategies and proposals for specific areas in Chapter 12 (Part 2). You can arrange to meet the assigned planner and discuss their thoughts about the specific plan.

Residents are affected in many ways but there is a list, usually contained in the Council notice letter and web site which describes what can and can not be argued. The Council must make the plans available, usually on their web site and many Council web sites will list the detailed plans and all submitted letters on their planning web site.

Local Councillors are there to work for the residents and are usually very helpful and informative. The earlier you can contact them, the better!

Experts: Sympathetic architects, tree experts, water experts, light experts, traffic and planning consultants as well as Covenant lawyers may provide additional support to your case

Institutions and Associations: Depending on the nature of your objection you can contact various institutions and ask them for support such as:

• The Royal Parks
• The Richmond Society
• National Heritage
• The Crown Estate