Lib Dem MP Demands Environment Survey of 'Hidden Island'

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th Jul 2002

Controversy is growing over proposals from a developer to open up Platts Eyot a Thames island at Hampton to 13 luxury housing units and to replace a pedestrian footbridge with a two lane road.

Vincent Cable has asked the government to demand an Environment Impact Assessment before the project proceeds and criticised the council for refusing to carry out studies: "this island is hidden from public view and has only one occupied house. But it is mostly overgrown and someone needs to carry out a proper audit of the nature resources. The council has a duty to insist that the environmental impact of new developments is properly assessed and its reluctance to seek one is baffling."

"There is also a rich heritage of slipways, boat sheds and docks which are rotting and need to be refurbished. I can see that with careful development by a responsible developer, Platts Eyot could become an exciting conservation project. I plan to meet the developers to discuss their intentions. But it would be depressing if this unspoilt Thames island was simply handed over for luxury homes because the council could not be bothered to use is planning powers".