Protecting Our Open Spaces in Twickenham

Written by Vincent Cable MP and published in Richmond Informer on Fri 28th Mar 2003

Although most peoples' minds are on events in the Gulf rather than domestic affairs, political life does go on. I supported a demonstration at the Town Hall last week where residents of all ages gathered to defend a piece of public open parkland in Heathfield. Other groups are popping up, concerned about threats to playing fields, parks and allotments.

There are tremendous pressures to sacrifice amenity in order to accommodate a higher density of development. Developers want land to build up-market houses, which are much in demand. The council wants land for school expansion, housing or to sell off for cash. Central government also favours denser development in the suburbs to accommodate more households. It is a tempting, easy, option to use public open space.

But wrong. Cities and suburbs, like people, need to breathe. Having space for people to walk their dogs or for children to kick a ball makes the difference between a contented and frustrated community. It is wonderful to have Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Marble Hill and the rest; but the accessible local park or recreation ground matters too. Within a decade, the character of the area could radically change for the worse unless a concerted effort is made to save them.

The immediate challenge is to stop the council redesignating substantial areas of 'metropolitan open land' for development. Many public objections have been made. If the council does not back down the matter will go to a public enquiry in the summer. I sense that there is a powerful groundswell of opinion determined to stop irrevocable changes which will deprive future generations, as well as ourselves, of an attractive local environment.