Full text of the Richmond Declaration

I/We, the undersigned, are angry that insensitive Government planning policies are destroying the character of our country. We reject this ‘Big Brother’ attitude as it is undermining our unique neighbourhoods. We demand that our local Council AND all Government agencies adopt our 10 planning principles:

1. Let local communities lead on local planning
   Local plans and planning decisions must arise from the wishes of local communities. We will consult and listen to people and amenity groups before new plans are finalised. Local residents will have a say in deciding what happens in their areas.
2. Keep our gardens green
   Gardens are not brownfield sites. We say ‘NO’ to garden grabbing. Gardens and small green spaces a vital amenity for families, neighbourhoods and wildlife.
3. Maintain the appearance of the street scene
   New developments must maintain the predominant character of the local street scene rather than following one-off precedents. We say ‘NO’ to inappropriate and sub-standard materials.
4. Show common sense on parking and protect small shops
   Transport decisions must consider the needs of the community and small shops. We need adequate and accessible parking for shoppers AND new housing. We will only introduce CPZs where a majority really want it and scrap the hated LibDem CPZ tax. 
5. Offer flexibility on housing
   We will be flexible on house size. We will encourage more two- and three-bed units and end one-bed preference. Families can change a house of multiple occupancy back to a single-family dwelling.
6. Preserve our local environment and built heritage
   We support new Conservation Areas and local historic buildings. Any new build must match their neighbours in key details. We will defend our built and historic heritage as vigorously as we protect our natural environment.
7. Protect our village environments against high density development
   We say ‘No’ to high-density development in villages and historic town centres like Richmond, Twickenham, East Sheen, Teddington and Whitton.
8. Block high rise development
   We reject new high rise in our Borough. The new LibDem plan opens the gate to high rise development in Richmond and Twickenham. High rise have scarred and defaced too many 20th century towns.
9. Stop unnecessary sale of public open land to developers
   We will protect open land. Barn Elms & Twickenham Riverside must not be sold to developers.
10. Enforce the law equally on all
    No planning by stealth. Our enforcement officers must ensure developers comply with detailed planning conditions. They must insist on green building standards and ‘considerate contractor’ practices.
     

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