Petersham Nurseries triumphs at last

On Thursday 23rd July, Richmond Council’s Planning Committee voted unanimously in favour of our application for Permanent Mixed Use as a Garden Centre (Class A1) and Café/Restaurant (Class A3).

 

The decision follows the granting of a Temporary Twelve Month Permission in November 2007, subject to the ongoing development of our Green Travel Plan and increased reductions in the number of visitors travelling by car.

 

Commenting on our Green Travel Plan, the Council officers’ concluded that, “the reduction in car trips and increase in sustainable modes is normally achieved through a 5 year implementation of actions…A 3% increase in walking, 4% increase in public transport use, 2% increase in cycling and nil change for taxi use is a noticeable achievement to be made within one year”. Click here to read the Council's report.

 

Our application was supported by 204 letters (from near neighbours, local residents and those further a field) and 13, 635 petition signatories, with many customers describing how our Green Travel Plan had encouraged them to change their travel behaviour. The application was opposed by 24 letters of objection.

 

While we are delighted with the Council’s decision, we continue to encourage all customers and visitors to visit us on foot, bicycle, local ferry or public transport wherever and whenever possible.