Residents complain of being 'hemmed in' by latest plans

The deadline for comments on the latest plans for the Alfa Laval site is fast approaching but some residents are expressing concern that what they believe is a massive and unsuitable project is in danger of being approved because of the lack of consultation.

Planning Permission is being sought to build a 14 storey building, 3 levels of car parking, 200 bedroom hotel and 200 apartments fronting the Great West Road and Ealing Road and 368 one, two and studio apartments and three and four bedroom townhouses.

The building will be taller than the existing Alfa Laval block and much wider. The Brentford Community Council have responded to the application with the suggestion that the building should be no taller than 6 or 7 storeys.

Local resident David Dewhurst has pointed out that as the documents relating to the application are not available on-line and because their size and complexity would require at least two hours to review them, it would be impossible for most residents to be properly informed about the details of the plans. Currently they are only available at the Civic Centre or in Brentford Library.

Dr. Dewhurst said, " We are being increasingly hemmed in – with the student towers to the west and up to 24 stories coming in the Great West Quarter to the east. More than 3 stories is bad for the newcomers and bad for us. The attempt to create employment with more hotel and office space is farcical given the empty places already."

He dismissed reports by consultants employed by the developers that claimed that the complex would block off M4 noise from local residences and said that the building would add to the area's crime problems and put more pressure on local school places. The height of the building will be increase by wind turbines on the roof but Mr. Dewhurst says that the plans indicate that they will supply just 0.26% of the development's energy needs and he describes them as an 'ecological figleaf'.

You can make your comments either via email to sue.bendle@hounslow.gov.uk (Case Officer) or via post to Borough Planning Office
LB of Hounslow
The Civic Centre,
Lampton Road
Hounslow TW3 4DN

The official deadline for comments is May 15th but any communications after that date may be considered.

May 11, 2007