Old Chiswick Fights for Survival. Help Before 4th November

This is the last opportunity to comment by 4 November on a controversial 10 storey tall building scheme (known as 1 Burlington Lane) on the Hogarth roundabout in Chiswick (west London). Against strong advice given by Historic England, local boroughs and our MP, with hundreds of local objections, this was approved by Hounslow’s planning committee but is now subject to a final decision by the Mayor on 5 November.

The existing building's relatively small scale was designed to respect its neighbouring historic Conservation Areas. Once occupied by independent tv and film companies, it is now standing empty, its facade does not enhance the area visually, and it should be reclaimed for the public. But at what cost?

By contrast, the new proposal will dominate over and have a profound impact on Old Chiswick. Its dissonant design, with the bulk of massing and height along the south facing directly into Old Chiswick, ensures it will be seen first and always when approaching the conservation area from every direction as well as being visible from within it, thereby robbing it of its character and intangible atmosphere.

It overwhelms historic and protected views of St Nicholas Church from south of the river despite the developer’s assertion that it would preserve important views.

Why has the Council failed to a) follow its own Policies and Guidelines and b) protect its Conservation Areas?  This residential proposal provides 132 apartments, which the Council argues are much needed and of better quality than previously-consented schemes for the site.   

Yet 90% will NOT be affordable, especially so in a Borough where the average annual household income is £36,800.

The highly-respected Old Chiswick Protection Society has been fighting to preserve the special character, and championing the sensitive conservation-led development of our unique part of London for over 60 years.

Have Your Say- we urge those who care, to comment to the Greater London Authority (GLA) on:

https://planapps.london.gov.uk/en-GB/planningapps/P-2024-2610

Quotes:

Alasdair Young, Historic England

“Because of the harm caused to multiple aspects of the very special historic environment in this part of Chiswick, including to some of the most sensitive assets in the borough, Historic England objects to these proposals.  We strongly recommend that more modest forms of development are pursued for this site which would not appear in particularly sensitive views within Chiswick House and gardens and would respond appropriately to the Old Chiswick Conservation Area and the setting of other heritage assets”

Andy Slaughter, MP

“I have objected to the proposed development at 1 Burlington Lane because it is out of scale for the area and does not provide the type of family and affordable homes the area needs.  The proposals would have a dominant impact on the protected areas of Chiswick”

Alexander De, Conservation Office, London Borough of Hounslow

“We believe the most recent proposal is of too much height and bulk for this location.  Clearly the proposal would have a negative impact on this richly historic and multi designated place.  The proposal is out of character with the built environment in this part of Chiswick”

Andrew Boff, Deputy Chair of the London Assembly

“Having reviewed the application, their representations, and the relevant provisions of the London Plan 2021, I believe there are compelling reasons why this scheme should be revised or refused in its current form”