A developer is pushing to build three homes on a site identified as an important wildlife corridor in Twickenham.

The site, near to Twickenham Green, was subject to protests last year after the owner successfully sought permission to fell a number of trees.

The removal of the trees was criticised by residents – more than 50 lodged formal objections with the council - and official ecology advisers from the Habitats & Heritage group.

They pointed out that the land involved had significant ecological value because it is used by a wide variety of bats, as well as hedgehogs, amphibians, nesting bird sites, invertebrates, including stag beetles.

The site is sensitive because it falls within the Twickenham Green Conservation Area. People fighting to protect the site were supported by Twickenham MP, Munira Wilson.

At the time, the leader of the Green party on Richmond Council, Richard Bennett, said he suspected the removal of the trees was a prelude to a formal planning application in what amounted to 'development by stealth'.

It has now emerged that the site's owner is pushing ahead with a plan build two semi-detached three bedroom homes, plus a single storey two bedroom property.

The site involved is known as the backlands behind the Prince Albert pub, Hampton Road, and it was formerly owned by the Fuller's brewery.

Currently, there is one towering Eucalyptus tree left on the site, which can be seen from Twickenham Green. It is subject to a Tree Preservation Order. (TPO)

A number of objections have already been made, including one from Howard Roberts, who represents the Friends of Twickenham Green on environmental issues and lives close to the site.

His formal objection states: "This site was formerly an integral part of a wildlife corridor that was home to numerous species of flora and fauna, and in particular a breeding ground for pipistrelle bats.

"Between purchase and submitting this plan, the developer has needlessly ecologically degraded this site destroying all the ground cover, and removing all trees bar one. At no point in the plan is there any mention of any biodiversity contribution."

He adds: "The overdevelopment of the site will result in overbearing and intrusive structures, of particular significance to those who live adjacent to the site. If this development is because of a housing shortage then where is the contribution to affordable housing?"

He raised questions over access to the site, which is down a very narrow lane off Hampton Road, next to the popular and busy pub.

He says: "It is worth noting that access to the plot is too narrow for emergency vehicles, and the consequent fire risk would be an issue not just for the residents of the new properties, but for existing residents as well.

"In addition, all the increased vehicle traffic to and from this development would have to cross a busy pedestrian pavement."

He said an earlier planning application for this site was refused on appeal in the 1990s because of the access issues.

Mr Roberts says: "The one remaining tree of public amenity values, fortunately is subject to a Tree Protection Order. How would the developer ensure the survival of this tree if building work were to take place in such close proximity, including the creation of foundations and service pipes?"

A local Lib-Dem councillor for the ward, Piers Allan, has made a formal request for the planning application to be decided by councillors in a public planning meeting, rather than by officers.

He said: "The concerns include material planning concerns regarding over-development, road access to the site, biodiversity and nature conservation concerns and their impact on the Twickenham Green Conservation area, and the impact of the building work and built structures on tree roots, including the TPO Eucalyptus."

Details on the planning application and how to comment can be found here -

https://www2.richmond.gov.uk/lbrplanning/Planning_CASENO.aspx?strCASENO=22/2417/FUL&DocTypeID=52#docs