A proposal to create a community park on the old Twickenham baths site, with a modest development of leisure and tourist facilities, was given unanimous consent by members of Richmond's Development Control Committee.

Officers and residents all spoke highly of the plans for what is now known as the Twickenham Riverside Terrace as complying with planning guidance for the Thames front site.

"It is difficult to argue that the proposal has a negative impact on the area either visually or functionally," stated the officer's report to committee. "The introduction of boat hire and cafe uses, coupled with the park, can reasonably be considered as leisure uses. The reintroduction of the public WCs is to be welcomed."

An appeal for non-determination in the statutory period is now invalid and no longer on the table.

Several local residents spoke in favour of the proposal and commended it to the elected members. Mr Hathaway died on 11 July, but others in the group that assembled the application have pledged to continue his work to guarantee the area for future community use.

Cllr Nick Carthew commented: "It is a perfectly acceptable application for this site. I wish the applicants well in raising funds to proceed with it."