Vince Cable

There is a growing volume of objections from residents and Twickenham amenity societies to a proposed new four storey block of flats on the site of Gifford House, the former old peoples' home, on Twickenham Green. The development arises from a longstanding private finance collaboration between the Council and Care UK, which has resulted in a succession of rebuilt residential homes for the elderly (at, for example, Laurel Dean). The private partner is seeking to redevelop the Gifford House site and the Council will also benefit financially as a result of combining the site with the Twickenham Day Nursery.

Vincent Cable said that "Twickenham Green is in a conservation area and, naturally, the amenity societies and residents are trying to ensure that any development is of a quality which matches the importance of the location. I am sure that the Council's collaboration with Care UK has brought benefits but the planning judgements must be made quite independently and on planning merits. It is clear that the developer - which I believe is a tough commercial operation with links to private equity - is trying to pack as many dwellings on the site as possible. I am particularly concerned that the developers have declined invitations to engage in prior consultation with the local community on design. This is foolishly short-sighted of them since they are inviting a planning battle. I have joined local amenity groups in asking the Council to refuse the application and prepare a planning brief allowing full local consultation."