The proposed communications hub, by reason of its siting, scale, form, appearance and incorporation of a large illuminated advertisement display within an already cluttered section of the public realm, would constitute an intrusive and unnecessary addition to the streetscape. The development would add to the cumulative effect of existing street furniture and advertising infrastructure, resulting in visual clutter that would detract from the character, appearance and quality of the public realm within East Sheen Town Centre. As such, the development would fail to achieve a high standard of urban design or contribute positively to local character and the quality of the public realm, contrary to the NPPF, Policies PBS8, 1, 17, 28 and 44 of the Richmond Local Plan (2025), Policies D3 and D8 of the London Plan (2021), the East Sheen Village Planning Guidance SPD and the objectives of the Urban Design Study and Healthy Streets for London.
The proposed communications hub, by reason of its siting within a busy town centre footway in close proximity to a bus stop, existing street furniture and established pedestrian desire lines, would result in an unacceptable obstruction within the public realm that would impede pedestrian movement, reduce pedestrian comfort and diminish the functionality of the footway. The proposal would fail to support the Healthy Streets approach, would not maximise opportunities for walking, wheeling and public realm enhancement, and would represent unnecessary street furniture in a location where the available pavement space performs an important movement and place function. In the absence of sufficient evidence demonstrating that the development would not adversely affect pedestrian flow and comfort, the proposal is contrary to Policies 1, 47 and 51 of the Richmond Local Plan (2025), Policy PBS8 of the Richmond Local Plan, and Policies D8, T2 and T4 of the London Plan (2021) as supported by Healthy Streets for London.
For the avoidance of doubt the Drawing(s) No(s) and Document(s) to which this decision refers are as follows:- Application Letter - Prepared by JCDecaux - Dated 6 March 2026 A03023 - Site F Site Plan and Images (Location Plan, Site Plan, photographs, rendered images, existing examples) - Prepared by JCDecaux - Submitted 6 March 2026 Appendix A - Hub Unit specification, Pages 1-17 - Prepared by JCDecaux - Submitted 6 March 2026 Appendix B - Community Channel, Pages 1-10 - Prepared by JCDecaux - Submitted 6 March 2026 Appendix D - Zoll AED 3 Product Specifications - Prepared by Community Heartbeat - Submitted 6 March 2026 Appendix F - Pavement Reinstatement, Pages 1-4 - Prepared by JCDecaux - Submitted 6 March 2026 Appendix G - Communication Hub Unit Management Plan Reference V5 - Prepared by JCDecaux - Submitted 06 March 2026 Appendix H - A/489467/05 Rev B - Hub 1 Plan - Prepared by the applicant - Submitted 06 March 2026 Appendix 1 - Fuze head location - Prepared by JCDecaux - Submitted 12 June 2026
In accordance with paragraphs 38-42 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Richmond upon Thames Borough Council takes a positive and proactive approach to the delivery of sustainable development, by: * Providing a formal pre-application service * Providing written policies and guidance, all of which is available to view on the Council's website * Where appropriate, negotiating amendments to secure a positive decision * Determining applications in a timely manner. In this instance: * The applicants did not seek formal pre-application advice, and the scheme was found to be contrary to policy and guidance, and subsequently refused. The Council is ready to enter into discussions, through the Council's formal pre-application service, to advise the applicants of relevant policy and guidance; and where possible assist in the preparation of a new planning permission. More information on the pre-application service and relevant fees can be found online at www.richmond.gov.uk/pre-application_for_developers.
Understand planning application documents, officer reports and decision notices. Use a reading checklist, document table and worked example to inspect a case.
Understand pending consideration, approved, refused and withdrawn planning applications. Compare status labels and find the documents explaining each outcome.
Read planning drawings, floor plans, elevations and sections. Use labelled diagrams, a drawing comparison table and revision checks to understand a proposal.