A High Court judge has ruled Richmond Council acted lawfully over the decision for a redevelopment of Twickenham station paving the way for a redesign in time for the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Members of Twickenham Residents Action Group, which brought the case against the council, branded it “a dark day for Twickenham,” following the decision at the Royal Courts of Justice today.

The case was heard at High Court on December 13 and December 14, where Douglas Edwards QC made the representation on behalf of Twickenham Residents’ Action Group (Trag).

Rupert Warren, represented the council and Neil Cameron, represented developers Solum.

Mr Edwards argued the council had ignored an advisory report, planning policies and Trag’s alternative plan for the station, Plan B.

But, Mr Warren and Mr Cameron argued that Plan B was never formally submitted, so there was no guarantee it was viable and that Twickenham Advisory Panel’s report was not considered a formal guideline for the station development.

Justice McKenna delivered the decision.

He said: “It does seem to me that all of the points in the TAP report were considered.”

He said he dismissed the first point of the case, and said that meant the second point was invalid as an alternative plan was not needed.

John Watson, from Trag, put the claim in his name after he raised £30,000 for legal fees through donations.

Following this morning's decision, Trag member, Tom Hautot said: “It’s a dark day for Twickenham, a black day for democracy.”

Mr Watson said that the whole case for him was about getting democracy back in the council, but believed this decision would now only fuel cynics.

The council was delighted with the news however.

Lord True, leader of Richmond Council, said: “I am delighted with today’s outcome which supports the clear, democratic decision that was taken locally.

"Twickenham Station is a disgrace and, whilst this whole process has resulted in massive delays to the developer’s schedule, I now hope that they can get back on track and create a station of which we can be proud of in time for the Rugby World Cup in 2015."

In December 2011, the planning committee granted planning permission for a development by Solum,  a partnership of landowners Network Rail and Kier Ltd, which had been scaled down from a previous proposal.

The Greater London Authority and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government could have intervened.

But both announced that they would not override the decision by Richmond Council.

Trag also requested leave to appeal, which was refused by the judge.