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We deal with almost 1000 cases a year assisting communities, groups and individuals in protecting their local spaces and paths in all parts of England and Wales. Can you help us by joining as a member?
We have joined campaigners fighting to save the magnificent view from Richmond Hill. This view is threatened by a high-rise residential block as part of the redevelopment of Twickenham station. The objectors include the Twickenham Residents’ Action Group, TRAG.
View from Richmond Hill with proposed block superimposed Photo by John Watson and Landmark Architecture
Richmond Council has accepted a proposal from Network Rail and Solum Regeneration for this development.
The society championed the Richmond Hill, Petersham and Ham Act 1902, which aimed to protect the view from Richmond Hill. The society had previously (c1896) helped to defeat an Inclosure Bill which would have led to the destruction of Petersham and Ham Commons.
Says Kate Ashbrook, our general secretary: ‘The Open Spaces Society was instrumental in saving Petersham and Ham Commons for the public and preserving the view from Richmond Hill. Over a century later, we shall fight just as hard to protect this same view from a high-rise development.’
We have written to the Mayor of London and the Secretary of State for Culture to urge them to adopt a much lower alternative, which is popular locally and will preserve this splendid view.