Octopus Alive and Threatening
Chiswick!
‘It’s gold, it’s crass, it’s out of place’.
How can Hounslow Council’s Sustainable Development Committee
justify a decision that not only flies in the face of current policy but that
would also undermine its emerging vision for the future?
The West Chiswick and
Gunnersbury Society has written to Hounslow Council concerning the decision
reached by the Sustainable Development Committee (SDC) on Thursday 27 October
2011 with respect to the proposed development on land at Chiswick Roundabout at
the Junction of Gunnersbury Avenue and Great West Road (the development dubbed
the “Octopus”)
http://www.chiswickw4.com/default.asp?section=info&page=conplan045.htm
WCGS believes that the
decision is contrary to the Council’s own planning policies, those of the London
Plan and national planning statements. As far as the future is concerned, the
London Borough of Hounslow’s Preferred Core Strategy (the subject of recent
consultation) includes objectives relating to the promotion of local character,
reducing carbon emissions, promoting and improving green spaces and heritage
assets.
The Society believes that, if the development is allowed to be
built, it will have a severe negative impact on the quality of life of local
residents (in terms of well-being, environment, amenity, local character and
sense of place) and on the neighbouring heritage assets and green spaces of
Gunnersbury Park and Gunnersbury Cemetery. WCGS is supporting the current
regeneration project for Gunnersbury Park being managed jointly by the London
Boroughs of Hounslow and Ealing. One of our committee members, Marie Rabouhans,
met in Parliament recently with local MP Mary Macleod and Angie Bray, MP for
Ealing who endorsed the efforts of the groups involved .
http://www.chiswickw4.com/default.asp?section=info&spage=common/congunnsprk033.htm
How will the “Octopus”, a massive, permanently-lit, alien
intrusion pay respect to our heritage or enhance our enjoyment of this beautiful
green space?
The power generation system for the development will add to air
pollution (by
increasing nitrogen dioxide levels). This part of London already
has “shokingly” low air quality.
http://www.chiswickw4.com/default.asp?section=info&page=eair007.htm
Siting such an unsustainable, energy-demanding, permanently lit
construction in this prominent location will seriously damage the reputation and
green credentials not only of Hounslow and London but of the UK more generally.
Over 40% of the energy needed to run the building will be for the LED lights of
the media screens and the rest of the shroud.
What message will this give? According to Kim Gottlieb, managing
director of London and Bath Estates ‘It’s bold it’s brash it’s in your face’.
http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-news/local-hounslow-news/2011/10/28/octopus-building-at-chiswick-roundabout-gets-green-light-109642-29680564/
Another interpretation might be ‘It’s gold, it’s crass, it’s out of place’. The
Society is adamant that neither of these messages is one we wish to communicate
about London in
Copy of article from the Hounslow Chronicle - Voice your concerns
Gunnersbury rail station 'unsafe' say residents
Aug 5 2011
By Lima Curtis
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Gunnersbury station has been branded unsafe by residents
WORRIED members of a residents' group have branded a busy rail and Tube station as 'unsafe' and warn that, without improvements, there is a disaster waiting to happen.
The West Chiswick and Gunnersbury Society (WCGS) is campaigning for changes to be made at Gunnersbury station, in Chiswick High Road, after an increase in the number of passengers since Chiswick Business Park opened in 2001.
Terry Thorn, WCGS chairman, said: "Until 10 years ago, the station was quite quiet. Then the business park opened and now 5,000 to 6,000 people work there and the levels of passengers using the station are well beyond its capacity.
"The platform is quite narrow and it is difficult to get up and down the stairs during rush hour. Someone is going to get pushed on to the track one day - it is just a disaster waiting to happen."
The group wants changes to be made, including a lift to help elderly people or those with children, and a new entrance on Wellesley Road to ease flow. It believes that, despite limited funding, passenger safety should take priority.
Mr Thorn added: "The section 106 money the business park gave to the council when they started their development could be used. Some improvements were made and more are promised, but these do not address the fundamental problem, which is that the station is now unsafe.
"We are lobbying our MP and our councillors to that effect. We do not want to be in the position of saying 'we told you so' in the event of an accident."
Copy of our Submisssion: