Prompted by the 'Richmond Lights' on Upper Richmond Road
The Richmond Lights by night and by day
January 13, 2023
A petition has been launched against the granting of permission by local authorities for the installation of commercial LED advertising screens on Metropolitan Open Land (MOL).
Recently, ten-metre-high, back-to-back LED screens marketed as ‘Richmond Lights’ were installed on the Upper Richmond Road. These two screens replace the three-screen installation dubbed 'The Barnes Landmark' and were the subject of a new planning application.
Opponents say that this was within a wildlife corridor and opposite Barnes Common, a designated nature reserve.
The screens are illuminated from 6.00am to 11pm and objectors say they are distracting for traffic and an eyesore for local residents.
A group of local residents and those from neighbouring areas objected strongly to these screens claiming that the siting and overall design result in a completely inappropriate form of development, adversely impacting the character of the MOL, the ecological value of the locality and residential amenity.
Take Down the Ads Richmond says, “We believe that, in granting permission for ‘Richmond Lights’, Wandsworth Borough Council’s Planning Department preferred commercial over environmental arguments and failed to provide the protection the site deserves.
“By signing this petition, you are showing Wandsworth Borough Council that there is significant opposition to the installation of any advertising screens on Metropolitan Open Land”
The campaign wants the MOL, Barnes Common, the Nature Reserve and the wildlife corridor to be protected in perpetuity, with permanent refusal of any new applications to install advertising on these sites. In addition, it is demanding that the ‘Richmond Lights’ screens to be taken down after the period of advertising consent has expired with no further extension or renewal.
If you want to sign the petition click here.
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