After a rigorous examination of the proposal, the conditions, and objections, the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames (LBRuT) Planning Committee has approved amendments to the existing plans for 80 George Street, Richmond, the former House of Fraser store.
The development, called The Gosling, is a mixed-use refurbishment of a grade II-listed building in the heart of Richmond. The changes include removing the plant room, including a 5th Floor for a restaurant with a roof terrace and reducing green roof space. The increase in height is 43cm.
The Friends of Richmond Green and the Richmond Society voiced their concerns about the increased height, potential light pollution, and noise. They also expressed apprehension about the possibility of frequent changes in the development plan.
The conditions addressed many of the objections raised. The committee acknowledged that while further changes cannot be ruled out, the developer is committed to delivering the agreed-upon plans. The additional roof space is intended for a high-quality restaurant operator, who, under the conditions, will have to submit further plans for layout as the tenant.
One councillor suggested a development hub to keep the stakeholders informed and allow for feedback; however, the conditions already require a community liaison group which stakeholders can attend.
Two tenants have already signed up: the restaurant chain Sticks n Sushi and Third Space, a gym operator. Office and retail space are also available.
The proposal is seen as a flagship scheme in Richmond, a strategic town centre with an emphasis on growing the evening economy in the local plan.
The councillors voted seven to one in favour of the proposal.
Cllr Richard Bennet, leader of the Green Party, spoke in support of the scheme, saying, ” Let’s get on with it.”
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