Vince Cable

There is a growing protest movement on the Surrey side of the Thames over a proposed, large-scale development (involving 250 new residents) on the last, big, unspoilt island in the Thames: Platt's Eyot. The Surrey protestors (CAPPED) claim that because Platt's Eyot is not visible from the borough of Richmond, the council and local amenity societies are 'pulling their punches' and are not objecting as strongly as they should and would if - say - Eel Pie Island - were involved.

Vincent Cable, MP, said that he had tried to raise the profile of the Platt's Eyot issue several years ago and has a 'lot of sympathy' for environmentalists who are trying to preserve what is an unspoilt wilderness on part of the island. But he acknowledges that some development is necessary "in order to generate the resources to restore the magnificent World War II boat houses which are falling apart. The status quo is not satisfactory and Hampton residents cannot value what is on the island since they currently are not allowed access to it and have no idea what is there. This is an occasion where there needs to be some cross-river co-operation to ensure that the development serves the interests of both sides, and the wider environment. Continued stagnation and decay is not an acceptable option; nor is gross overdevelopment."