32-Storey Curve Would Damage A 'Most Important Panoramic View'

Strand on the Green Residents Association speaks at the Public Inquiry

The planned tower viewed from Chiswick Roundabout

The importance of the views and the character of the listed buildings along Strand on the Green, which was "perhaps the most important panoramic view from the south side of the river Thames" was stressed at the Public Inquiry into the 32-storey Chiswick Curve today. (June 19th).

Richard Griffith, chairman of Strand on the Green Residents Association (SoGA) said that poor quality developments could harm the integrity of the Conservation Area.

He told the Inquiry, in its second week, at Brentford Free Church, that there were currently ambitious plans for schemes which included tall buildings and these would have an impact on the wider character of Chiswick and their effect on the Conservation Area should be considered.

The skyline of Strand on the Green was currently broken in on by the BSI Tower at Gunnersbury.

"A poorly planned backdrop to the wider area through a failure to get current draft local plan reviews adopted and through appeal decisions approving inappropriately tall and bulky buildings will put the character and appearace of this coservation at risk of sigificant loss and harm. The skyline is especially vulnerable to inappropriate change."

He described Strand on the Green as "a vital area, with a carefully, effectively designed composition of river, historic waterfront and uninterrupted sky."

A successful relationship between old and new in Brentford and Chiswick could come under pressure by inappropriate development.

SoGa is one of the local groups, speaking against the proposed development. The West Chiswick & Gunnersbury Society (WCGS), is expected to put its case Thursday and they have appealed to local residents to attend the Inquiry to show support on significant days.

The Kew Society, Skyline, and Hounslow Council are also opposed to the Chiswick Curve. Starbones, the developer, is the appellant. The Inquiry is scheduled to last four weeks.

The borough’s planning committee unanimously voted to refuse permission in January 2017. A report by the planning officers concluded that the plan would cause ‘substantial harm.’ They recommended rejection due to the impact that the building would have on a number of local heritage sites particularly Kew Gardens. It also said that the large structure would be "at odds with the wider urban and historic character of the area" and criticised the design saying it was not of the highest quality.

The developer had already confirmed that they were appealing against refusal of an application to build three large digital advertising hoardings at the site.

The appeal will be decided by Inspector Paul Griffiths and a report will be compiled for the Secretary of State.

The Curve from Kew Bridge

The Curve outside Gunnersbury station on Chiswick High Road

A view from the A4

June 19, 2018