Petersham Trust Newsletters

May 2006

Hard Standing

In 2001, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames had promised to enjoin this small parcel of land at the Northern boundary of the Meadows into the demised area of The Petersham Meadows. Council Officers, at the time, assured Trustees that this would be on the same terms as the original 125 year lease. Since then, negotiations have been ongoing to achieve this. LBRuT subsequently backtracked on their earlier written statements and have offered a 5 year lease instead. Reluctantly, the Trustees accepted this significantly less attractive proposal in the hope that, in time, they could subsequently improve the terms in line with the main 125 year lease.

Negotiations had dragged on interminably. Nevertheless on 1 February 2006, the terms of a draft lease were finally agreed and the Trust is awaiting a copy for signature incorporating the agreed changes so that the matter can be settled. Despite several reminders, the draft lease has not yet been sent. Matters have been complicated by the fact that the Trust's neighbours, Petersham Nurseries are making increased use of the Hard Standing to park their customers' cars. Whether the Nurseries have the authority or permission for this activity is a matter of legal dispute between Richmond Council and Petersham Nurseries.

Given the publicity that Petersham Nurseries have generated for their activities, the Trustees feel that the Trust's position should be made public. The Trust continues to press Richmond Council to finalise matters by issuing a lease document reflecting the agreed terms. The Trustees also continue to press LBRuT to confirm their position as landlord as to whether this area can be used for vehicular parking. Once signed, and dependent upon LBRuT's position on vehicular parking, the Trust intends to return a significant area to grassland and add it to Petersham Meadows as grazing pasture. This would enhance the pastoral quality of the view from Richmond Hill by removing the car park and enhance the rural aspect of this special and highly valued local amenity.

The outcome of the negotiations will be communicated as soon as it is known which the Trustees hope will be soon.

Data Protection

As a matter of policy, the Trust does not share its address list with anyone nor would it divulge any data without first asking permission. Should you like to be removed from the mailing list, please advise us at:-

The Petersham Trust, 18 Breamwater Gardens, Ham, TW10 7SQ
Telephone/Fax: 0208 255 6628
E-mail address:- info@petershammeadows.org