Turnham Green Ward Councillors, Samantha Davies, Adrian Lee and Peter Thompson, are launching a “no holes barred” campaign to oppose the construction of a 32 storey skyscraper at Chiswick Roundabout.
A formal planning application was submitted by Starbones Limited to Hounslow Council on 21st December 2015. If planning permission were to be granted, the resulting skyscraper would be the tallest building in West London.
Cllr. Samantha Davies commented:
“Make no mistake, this proposed building would be a game-changer. A tower of this size and proportion would permanently scar the Chiswick skyline forever and would set a precedent for future buildings on a similar scale. Remember, we could face another batch of skyscrapers on the B&Q site immediately next door. This ugly monstrosity is completely out of character with the surrounding area and if built, Chiswick would be defiled.”
The proposed 32 storey building would include residential accommodation for 800 new residents and 50,000 square feet of commercial space. Affordable housing would only be accessible via “poor doors” for Council and Housing Association tenants.
Cllr. Peter Thompson said:
“How on earth is the current local infrastructure going to cope with all of these new residents and employees, especially coming on top of the massive Brentford Football Club enabling development just down the road? We are talking about literally thousands of new residents in this corner of Chiswick. Where are new schools and health-centres to serve these people? What would be the impact on our roads and public transport? One thing is for certain, the whole of West Chiswick would be turned into a vast building site while these towers are constructed. Just imagine the impact on roads all around the local area. As for the suggestion that affordable housing tenants should only enter through “poor doors”, well that is nothing short of social apartheid. The proposal is deeply offensive.”
Local residents have until 1st February to make their objections known to Hounslow Council. Time is short.
Cllr. Adrian Lee stated:
“This is a life and death issue for both West Chiswick and our wider community. We are determined to fight this proposal via every peaceful means. This is not a party political issue as it affects each and every one of us. As councillors, we will be organising a public meeting, raising a petition and are looking at staging a protest march. We hope that the community will come together to save the special nature of Chiswick and Gunnersbury.”