An online petition has been started by Mandie Adams McGuire requesting that Richmond Council reject English Heritage’s current planning application(s) for the following reasons:
- The felling of 347 trees within the park
- The possibility of destroying ‘the Arcadian view’ (protected by Act of Parliament 1902)
- Terrible impact of increased traffic and pollution within surrounding roads and area
- Endangering wildlife and some protected species
- Devastating effect on Grade II listed houses abutting proposed new 140 seat café
- Destroying the treasured peace and tranquillity of Marble Hill House Gardens
- Estimated increase of 40,000 visitors per annum to a projected increase 1,000,000 per annum
If you want to sign the petition, or learn more, look here
Comments
I have lived in the area for 35 yearsand the park is the pkace where I go to enjoy the peace and tranquility throughout the year. This is the second time that English Heritage has attempted to impose their plans on a park which is a vital community space whose unspoiled beauty is enjoyed by people who both live in the area and who come for the peace. I would rather. pay to use the park than have it destroyed by these commercial proposals.
Linda Humphrey on 2017-11-02 22:09:46 +0000This is a beautiful House and parkland. It has been the heart of St Margarets all my life and I would hate to see it destroyed by the proposals planned by English Heritage. I urge Richmond Council to reject the plan and ask for a more modest application.
Sharon Berry on 2017-11-03 10:57:04 +0000Some of these criticisms seem valid. The 347 trees, though, is misleading. English Heritage's plans need to be properly examined, but people need to understand what they are trying to achieve, even if we end up disagreeing with them. I've tried to set out some of the issues at thewhiterajah.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/living-with-history.html
We do need to discuss this in the community as the planning process doesn't seem to be working in a way that is likely to produce results that anyone is happy with.
Tom on 2017-11-03 11:25:53 +0000The planning application has been at: www2.richmond.gov.uk/lbrplanning/Planning_CASENO.aspx?strCASENO=17/1094/FUL&DocTypeID=51#docs for nearly 8 months; however it is still open for comment.
It has been discussed at length on Twickerati (81 comments):
English Heritage’s Marble Hill Plans Spark Petition twickerati.wordpress.com/2017/10/18/english-heritage-marble-hill-house-park-revived
I expect it to be approved and suggest that comments should address the mitigation of problems rather than simply expressing dislike. The main opposition comes from the residents of Montpelier Row who fear disturbance by the new café/restaurant and, as usual, other nearby residents concerned about parking.
The proposal is well set out at: www.marblehillsociety.org.uk/pages/2017/marble_hill_revived.shtml except for one thing: the dog-free children’s play area has been excluded from the application; residents who value this area should therefore object to it.
My own view tis that the refurbished property will not attract huge numbers of extra visitors except for special events, so limiting the number and length of such events should be the aim.
Chris Squire on 2017-11-04 11:33:43 +0000