Old Chiswick Protection Society starts proceedings to take LB Hounslow to Judicial Review over decision to build Hogarth Roundabout tower block

Visualisation of scheme viewed from Hogarth Roundabout; CGI Simpson Haugh Architects

Residents association takes the first steps in taking the Council to court

Members of the Old Chiswick Protection Society have taken the first legal steps in preparation to take LB Hounslow to Judicial Review over their decision to build high rise tower blocks beside Hogarth Roundabout. The residents’ association is challenging the Council’s decision on the basis that it was unlawful.

Patricia Langley of the Old Chiswick Protection Society told The Chiswick Calendar they were aware a Judicial Review might cost tens of thousands of pounds, but they would be fundraising to meet the cost and anyone with an interest in the views which will be affected by the development would want to contribute.

Planning permission for a mixed-use complex of offices and flats between six and ten storeys high at 1 Burlington Lane was approved by councillors on Hounslow’s Planning Committee last August, despite strong objections from local residents, Historic England, Hammersmith & Chiswick MP Andy Slaughter, Hammersmith & Fulham Council and Hounslow Council’s own conservation officer.

READ ALSO: Hogarth roundabout development gets go ahead

One of the picturesque lanes of Old Chiswick which will now be overshadowed by the new high rise block; Photograph Bridget Osborne

Development threatens the character and beauty of Old Chiswick

Chiswick residents argued the development would dominate the landscape, threatening the character and beauty of Old Chiswick, but the Council’s planning department, which backed the plans, persuaded the councillors on the committee that the development would not cause ‘significant harm’ to the Old Chiswick Conservation Area.

The streets between the A4 and the river are the oldest part of Chiswick. The conservation area includes protected views of the River Thames, Chiswick House, and Hogarth’s House. Images provided by Hounslow Council highlight how the extra height will impact the skyline.

Illustration showing the view of the new development from across the river, behind St Nicholas Church, credit: Hounslow Council

Objections to the development’s mass and bulk, to the paucity of provision of ‘affordable’ homes, and likely impact on local transport

The proposal then went to the Mayor of London’s Office, but they chose not to intervene in the decision. The Mayor’s Office wrote to Hounslow saying:

‘The Mayor is content for the Council to determine the case itself, subject to any action that the Secretary of State may take’.

READ ALSO: High rise development beside Hogarth roundabout gets OK from Mayor of London

Over 600 letters of response were received by the Mayor’s Office, only one of which was in support of the proposals.

Andy Slaughter objected on the grounds that the number of affordable homes fell well below the 50% target on both the Local Plan and the London Plan, and on the grounds of concerns about the mass and bulk of the development.

The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham also objected, on the grounds of the impact on local transport.

The Secretary of State also declined to get involved.

The Old Chiswick Protection Society said straight away they would seek legal counsel. Now, following receipt of an opinion from counsel last week the Society has issued a pre-application protocol letter to the London Borough of Hounslow in preparation for a decision regarding a judicial review. The Council has until later this month to respond.

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