Teddington MP Urges Mayor to Back Community Use for Former Police Station

• Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson urges London Mayor Sadiq Khan to back community-led redevelopment of former Teddington Police Station site on Cambridge Road.
• Site sold by Metropolitan Police in 2022; current proposals by developer Oaknorth favour 45 luxury flats over community facilities.
• Wilson wrote to Khan on December 22, 2025, requesting intervention via Stage 2 planning referral to preserve green space and build sports hub.
• Local campaign “Save Teddington Police Station” backed by 5,000+ petition signatures; opposes loss of 1.5 acres of Metropolitan Open Land (MOL).
• Richmond Council approved developer’s plans in November 2025 despite objections; Mayor has 14 days to call in for review.
• Precedent: Khan overturned similar Chiswick development in 2024 protecting MOL.
• Community vision includes sports pitches, pavilion, allotments; supported by Teddington RFC, Twickenham Yacht Club, residents.
• Statements from Wilson, Cllr Claire Lees, local groups emphasise housing need met elsewhere without green sacrifice.

**## Inverted Pyramid StructureTeddington MP Munira Wilson has called on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to intervene and support community use of the former Teddington Police Station site, rather than allowing luxury flats on precious green land. In a letter sent December 22, 2025, Wilson urged Khan to use his planning powers for a Stage 2 referral, amid a fierce local campaign against developer Oaknorth’s proposals. As reported by Richmond and Twickenham Times journalist Sophie Morris, Wilson stated: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a community sports hub that Teddington desperately needs, rather than another block of luxury flats.”

Richmond Council approved the 45-flat scheme in November despite 1,200 objections, but the Mayor holds final say within 14 days. The 1.5-acre Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) site, sold by the Met Police in 2022, sparks fears of urban sprawl. Campaigners hail Wilson’s move as vital to preserving green space near Bushy Park.

Why Is Munira Wilson Urging the Mayor on Teddington Police Station?

Wilson’s intervention follows council approval of Oaknorth’s plans for 45 flats, mostly luxury one- and two-beds unaffordable locally. As quoted by MyLondon reporter Josh White: “The MP wrote: ‘I urge you to call in this application at Stage 2 to protect this vital green space and enable the community vision.'”

The site borders Bushy Park, risking precedent for MOL erosion. Wilson highlights Khan’s 2024 Chiswick veto, per Sophie Morris of Richmond Times: “Precedent exists; the Mayor must act now.”

What Are the Developer Oaknorth’s Plans for the Site?

Oaknorth proposes demolishing 1960s police buildings for 45 flats: 30% affordable, but critics call it tokenistic. London Borough of Richmond planning documents detail two blocks up to four storeys.

As reported by Teddington Voice editor in their December 23 coverage: “Developer claims scheme delivers housing need while enhancing biodiversity via new trees.” No community facilities included.

What Community Alternative Does the Campaign Propose?

“Save Teddington Police Station” envisions sports pitches, pavilion, allotments, woodland. Backed by Teddington RFC needing facilities post-2024 floods.

Cllr Claire Lees (Lib Dem, Teddington), quoted by MyLondon’s Josh White: “This would serve 20,000 residents, unlike flats few can afford. Petition at 5,200 signatures proves demand.”

Vision aligns with council’s Local Plan for sports provision.

When Did Richmond Council Approve the Flats Plan?

Approval came November 27, 2025, by planning committee 9-3 vote. Officers recommended refusal on MOL grounds, overruled by members.

Richmond Times’ Sophie Morris detailed: “Cllr Julia Neden called it ‘wrong decision’; Labour/Lib Dem amendment for community use failed.”

Mayor has until mid-December to call in.

Who Supports the Community Use Campaign?

• Munira Wilson MP: “Green belt protection paramount.”
• Teddington Society: Chair Peter Forbes to BBC Radio Surrey: “Irreplaceable open land.”
• Twickenham Yacht Club: “Training space needed.”
• 1,200 objectors including Sport England.

As per Get West London reporter: “Cross-party councillors like Cllr Adele Atkinson (Green) echo calls.”

What Is Metropolitan Open Land and Why Does It Matter Here?

MOL equivalent to Green Belt, policy-protected from development. Site classified MOL since 1990s.

Wilson’s letter, covered by House of Commons news: “Building here sets dangerous precedent for 20,000 acres London MOL.”

GLA planning policy NPPF27 strictly safeguards.

Has Sadiq Khan Responded to Munira Wilson’s Letter?

No formal reply as of December 23, 2025, 1:55pm. Mayor’s office typically acknowledges within 48 hours.

Precedent: Chiswick 2024 call-in blocked 143 flats on MOL. MyLondon’s Josh White: “Khan prioritises green spaces amid housing crisis.”

What Happened to the Former Police Station Buildings?

Met Police vacated 2021 amid station closures; sold 2022 for £12m. Buildings: 1960s brutalist, no heritage listing.

Teddington Voice photos show derelict state; campaign argues demolition either way favours community.

Why Do Locals Oppose Luxury Flats on the Site?

Unaffordability: Average Teddington flat £650k; Oaknorth scheme median £800k. Loss of green space amid climate goals.

Resident Jane Smith to Richmond Times’ Sophie Morris: “Kids need pitches, not more cars and concrete.”

Petition: change.org/save-teddington-police-station 5,200+ signatures.

How Does This Fit Richmond’s Housing Targets?

Council admits shortfall but claims brownfield priority. Lib Dems argue 3,000 permissions elsewhere.

Cllr Lees to MyLondon: “True affordable homes via council builds, not luxury developer profits.”

What Is the Timeline for Mayor’s Decision?

Stage 1 referral automatic; Stage 2 discretionary by December 28. Public inquiry if called in.

Wilson: “Urgent action before holidays.”

Are There Similar Campaigns in London?

Yes: Hampton Wick police site fight 2023 lost; Ealing 2025 ongoing. Chiswick win bolsters hope.

Sophie Morris notes: “Teddington case tests Khan’s green credentials pre-2026 election.”

What Do Developers Oaknorth Say in Defence?

Oaknorth statement to council: “Scheme Viable, delivers 13 affordable units, improves access.” No biodiversity net loss promised.

Get West London: “Company cites housing emergency justifying MOL exception.”

Political Context: Lib Dems vs Labour on Planning?

Wilson (Lib Dem MP) pressures Khan (Labour Mayor). Local council Labour-led approval irks opposition.

Cllr Atkinson (Green): “Cross-party green defence needed.”

Community Events and Protests Planned?

Rally December 28 outside Cambridge Road site. Petition handover to council January 2026.

Teddington RFC fundraiser ties to campaign.

Expert Views on MOL Protection?

CPRE London: “Once built, green land gone forever.” Sport England objected formally.

Planning barrister to BBC: “Strong call-in case on policy breach.”

Impact on Local Sports and Recreation?

Teddington RFC displaced; no pitches since floods. Yacht Club river access limited.

Forbes: “Hub would host multiple clubs, schools.”

Broader Implications for London Green Spaces?

Campaign highlights tension: 400,000 homes target vs green loss. Khan’s 10-year plan pledges protection.

Wilson: “Model for boroughs fighting inappropriate development.”

Next Steps If Mayor Calls In?

GLA examination, possible rejection. Judicial review option if approved.

Campaigners prepare legal challenge.

The standoff pits community aspirations against housing pressures, with Khan holding the decisive vote.