Chiswick Community Vows To Fight Tower Block Developer’s ‘Last-Minute’ High Court Appeal

OCPS Press Release:

The Old Chiswick Protection Society (OCPS) has vowed to vehemently challenge a last-minute legal bid by developers to revive a controversial 10-storey tower block next to the Hogarth Roundabout.

The move comes after the High Court quashed the planning permission for the 132-flat scheme at 1 Burlington Lane, ruling that Hounslow Council’s initial approval was unlawful. While the Council chose not to contest the High Court's judgment, the developer has launched a late application to the Court of Appeal.

The application to appeal represents a direct U-turn by the developer, who had previously assured the High Court in writing that they would not contest the quashing order.

Graham Clifton, Chair of OCPS, commented,

‘We don’t know what changed their minds. Perhaps it’s because the Labour councillors may lose their majority on the Council. Or perhaps it’s because the building trade is suffering at the moment, and the developer is using this appeal to buy time. What we do know is that OCPS will continue to vehemently challenge this development, which completely emasculates our local Conservation Area.’

The proposed high-rise has drawn fierce community resistance, generating over 1,000 public objections. Opponents argue the massing of the tower severely compromises views from the River Thames, dominates the historic 15th-century St Nicholas Church, and harms the setting of historic landmarks including Chiswick House and Hogarth’s House.

A decision from the Court of Appeal on whether to grant the developer permission to appeal is expected to take approximately four months.

Clifton added: "Although this last-minute appeal is disappointing, we will be ready. Old Chiswick is one of the oldest Conservation Areas in England, and we will protect it."