By community correspondent Ben Crespin.

Hampton Court Palace is probably the main source of income in the Molesey area. Not does it provide money to the palace itself, but the surrounding shops, bars and restaurants are helped massively by being situated close to King Henry VIII's world-famous former residence. As a major tourist interest all year round, but especially when the famous flower show is on, Hampton Court is very much a focal point to the local area - and even London. So, when plans were announced to build a new 61 bedroom hotel on a fledgling wasteland just over Hampton Court Bridge it must've been seen as another way to boost the area's already thriving economy? Far from it.

Yes, there were supporters of the plans, but the local residents were mainly opposed to them. And it's hard to see why as not only did the plans include the hotel, but also 66 residential units, a new care home for the Royal Star and Garter charity and a refurbished building at Hampton Court station. And the list doesn't finish there, the development will also include shops, an underground car park and a new transport interchange. So whats all the fuss about?

Of course the plans has its downfalls. The site it is planned upon is that of a demolished pub and is rather small; it is hard to see how all these proposed buildings will fit on the same area. Then there's the issue of traffic, calling the morning rush hour around Hampton Court Palace a nightmare is an understatement! And the development would only increase the traffic not only in the morning but all day, all year round. This is such a pressing issue that I have witnessed members of the several residents associations in and around the area handing out leaflets to people stuck in traffic jams and protesting in the area with placards and signs. Furthermore, in an area of English Heritage, the modernisation of such an area may not suit the tradition and history provided by the palace itself.

Whilst the development will come with some fairly serious problems, it will also come with massive benefits. The business and shops in the local area will definetly see a rise in the amount of customers and money they take, whilst the new train station and travel links will provide local residents and tourists a much easier, nicer route in and out of London- especially as the current train station at Hampton Court is rather old and decrepit. Furthermore, the modernisation of the area will be a much better view than the tatty wasteland that is present there at the moment.

So, whilst many people will complain about the proposed development of the Jolly Boatman site- with very good reason, one can't help but think a bit of modernisation and smoother, better travel in and out of the capital all helping the local economy, is what Molesey needs.