Jolly Boatman/Hampton Court Station

I am very aware of the long-held view that there should be no development on this site opposite one of our most treasured Historic Palaces and this is something which, in principle, I share.

Since 2000, when I formed the Portcullis Group consisting of representatives from Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), English Heritage, Thames Landscape Strategy, Vincent Cable, M.P. and Richmond and Elmbridge Councillors, I have working to achieve the best possible environmental/historic/amenity use for this unique site. Indeed, during the Queen’s Jubilee Year, I pressed the Government to designate this site as a Jubilee Garden to reflect the importance of the vista to Hampton Court Palace as well as improving this part of East Molesey. Sadly this was rejected despite the support of HRH The Prince of Wales, HRP and many others.

Therefore we are left with the fact that this site was zoned for development under the Elmbridge Borough Council’s Local Plan. To withdraw development status when it has been purchased at development land value would inevitably place Elmbridge Borough Council in the courts facing massive legal bills – ultimately to be paid for by council taxpayers.

I have urged a constructive approach to edge towards marrying commercial interests with safeguarding as much of this site that is compatible with the locality and Hampton Court. I have been working closely with HRP and had several meetings to seek an acceptable solution. It is not easy, yet I believe that we have made much progress in getting concessions from the current developers, Gladedale. Whether the current designs are a fitting gateway and enhancement to the Palace is a matter of architectural debate. But it has the potential to add to the amenity of the surrounding area and the transport interchange improves substantially.

Now that Gladedale have presented the planning application, the decision must necessarily rest with Elmbridge Borough Councillors. This site cannot remain as it is. I believe – in the long term – that there will be benefits to local communities and the environment from sensitive development. We await the Council’s judgment on this scheme.

February 2008