Update: August 2024
Council unable to mount a legal challenge
We understand that councillors were informed that although the Mayor’s public consultations on the proposals were indeed flawed, there was not enough evidence to show that he would have made a different decision if they had been administered correctly. Therefore, the Council is unable to mount a legal challenge.
This follows their request to Richmond Council (see below) to seek legal advice on whether the Mayor’s decision could be challenged by judicial review.
There have been rumours that Avanton may on-sell the site which now has planning permission, but we have no further details on this.
Update: May 2024
Mayor Approves development but Council looks at court challenge
The Mayor of London finally approved the redevelopment of the Homebase site on Manor Road on 23 May and the approval letter can be seen here (under Related Documents).
North Richmond Councillors have asked the Council to seek legal advice on whether the process that led to that decision can be challenged in the courts. Only the process, not the decision itself, can be legally challenged.
We understand the Council agreed to this request and it would probably take a month or so before advice is received. If the legal advice is that the process was incorrect, then the Council will have to decide whether to take legal action.
Recent updates and links to plans:
Oct 2023: Letter to Kew Society members on latest planning revisions and history of the Homebase applications
Oct 2023: Letter to GLA re latest revisions to Homebase Application
Oct 2023: Kew Society Notice re. public consultation on further revision to Homebase planning application
Jun 2022: Letter to Sec. of State Michael Gove re. decision to “call-in” the planning application
Dec 2021 Letter to GLA: Objecting to further planning revisions