Demo Planned Ahead of Tesco/Homebase Public Inquiry
Objectors to assemble at Hounslow House to voice opposition
Visualisation of scale of development on Homebase site on Syon Lane. Picture: OWGRA
Local residents opposed to the massive redevelopment of the Tesco and Homebase sites are being encouraged to attend a demonstration.
It will be taking place at 10am on Tuesday 15 March at Hounslow House at the beginning of the Public Inquiry into the application which is taking place there.
Hounslow Council gave permission for the two schemes to proceed but the Secretary of State with responsibility for planning matter, Michael Gove, ‘called-in’ the application for review by a government planning inspector.
Only the first day will be held in person at Hounslow House, as the rest of the inquiry will be held virtually between 16-30 March and concludes 25-27 April.
The demonstration is being organised by the Osterley & Wyke Green Residents' Association (OWGRA) which says, “We will be holding a peaceful demonstration outside Hounslow House all day on the first day of the public inquiry and are encouraging as many of you as possible to come along and support us between 9.00 am and 5.30 pm. We will provide placards and a roller banner. Please could you let us know if you are able to take part in the demonstration and roughly what time of the day and how long you might be able to stay, as we need to keep the police informed of approximate numbers. This is your chance to show how strongly you feel about these developments, and we need your support!”
They advise you to check the weather forecast if you are intending to come along and to wear appropriate clothing. There are lots of places nearby where refreshments can be purchased.
If you would like to attend the first day in person, as opposed to the demonstration, you need to apply to do so by e-mailing planningappeals@hounslow.gov.uk as soon as possible. There will be limited space available for observers on the 6th floor of Hounslow House.
An earlier demonstration by objectors outside City Hall
On the first day of the public inquiry the Planning Inspector will introduce the inquiry, and Opening Statements will be made by the developer, Hounslow Council, Historic England and OWGRA (in that order). Then there will be representations from interested parties and local residents who have asked to speak.
The inquiry will be live-streamed from day 1 (15 March) and can be followed by clicking this link. The recordings will also be available for later viewing.
If the inquiry decides in their favour the applications would see 16 tower blocks built with the tallest 17 storeys high. These would include over 2,000 flats and are expected to increase the population of the area by over 6,000. Objectors say this would be completely out of character with the existing area which mainly contains two storey family homes.
There were over 800 objection received to the proposals and over 4,000 people signed a petition asking the Mayor to block the application which he declined to do.
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March 11, 2022
