by Grahame Darnell, Oxford Avenue SW20

It was good to see the paper cover the story about the proposals for the Emma Hamilton but I have to point out that the developers’ quip that 'parking is the major concern' is misleading.

That is top of the list of local people's concerns.

Of the 20-plus residents that turned out for the photo protest (and numerous others that sent me emails stating their opposition to the plans) there is great consensus about a number of issues - namely:

  • the proposed development is too high at five storeys;
  • fronting it up to the pavement is too imposing; 56 flats is too many;
  • the need to cut down two mature trees and lack of any landscaping at the front is an environmental concern;
  • and the retail aspect is ill-considered as we already have several unlet units in the existing parade of shops.

In short, the current proposals add nothing to the local community which is why the great idea for a community pub has gained traction so easily.

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