New Plans Submitted for Magistrates' Court Redevelopment
Three block hotel complex by the A4 would be the tallest in the borough
CGI view of the building from the A4. Picture: Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners
A revised planning application has been made for a development which would see the construction of a tower which would be the tallest in the borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.
The plan is to build a four-star hotel in three main buildings, the tallest of which is 23-storeys. on the site of the Magistrates’ Court on the A4/Talgarth Road next to the Ark Building.
The original plan was submitted last year but met with a fiercely negative reaction from local amenity groups and residents who described it as ‘hideous’. More than 100 people objected to the plans, with some saying the borough is already saturated with nearly 200 hotels. There were also complaints that it would cause “overlooking” and a loss of privacy for residents in St Dunstan’s Road, and Biscay and Yeldham Roads. Objections were also received by the Hammersmith Society, West London College and Historic England. As a result the scheme was not taken to the Hammersmith and Fulham Council planning committee for a decision.
A new architect has been appointed by property firm Dominus for the scheme and the revised plan has been put together by Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners. Dominvs acquired the site in 2017 for £43million.
The new design has not changed the overall height of the building which remains at 70 metres. It will be a 850 room hotel as in the original proposal by architects Dexter Moren. There will be a rooftop terrace in the 40,000 sq metre development with a bar, gym and restaurant.
CGI aerial view of the building from Fulham. Picture: Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners
Amended design has been submitted despite concerns about the validity of planning applications processed during the coronavirus lockdown. Residents’ groups have argued that proper consultation with the community is not possible at this time and judicial challenges may be considered to any scheme given permission on the basis that it was not properly publicised. The council publish planning notices in The Gazette newspaper which is currently not accessible to most borough residents. Their statutory obligation is to place the notice in ‘a newspaper in general circulation in the area’.
It is not known at this stage when a decision will be made by the council on the application.
May 6, 2020