Richmond Council has approved its planning application to close Shacklegate Lane allotments to extend the cemetery next door.

The application sought permission for the "Change of use from allotments to cemetery use, including soft landscaping and associated works".

However, it received 33 objections from local residents who will miss having the allotments as they are the only allotments in Teddington and have been there for around 100 years.

Speaking about the allotments, one resident who protests "strongly" about the proposals, said: "They are a cultural benefit to the very many who, like us, live close but not actually a neighbour, but who walk very regularly through the cemetery."

The question tabled by Councillor Wren summarised the objections, saying: "Will Council instruct officers to produce a policy review and new forecasts regarding use of cemeteries by summer 2026, so that members can readdress the question of whether there are actually alternative solutions to the unfortunate decision to close down the only – and well-loved - allotments in Teddington, on Shacklegate Lane, which has been made from the perceived need for burial space, but is based on out-of-date conceptions of how funerals will be managed for the next decade and beyond?"

The Teddington Society also openly objected to the plans.

You can view the full planning application here.