Residents Continue Campaign Against Goldhawk Road Development

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Association  asks Governnment Office to call-in site

Ashchurch Residents' Association are taking further action to oppose the proposed development at 282 Goldhawk Road, which was approved by Hammersmith and Fulham Council on December 16.

On January 8, Labour Councillor Michael Cartwright, with the support of Andrew Slaughter MP for Ealing, Action & Shepherds Bush wrote to the Government Office for London requesting a call-in for the site, a former old people's home.

In his letter to the Government Office, Cartwright said:
" This is another development in Hammersmith and Fulham that does not comply with affordable housing policy. Even the report accepts that lack of provision of housing for rent does not comply.

" The site previously contained a block of affordable housing for rent and therefore this results in a net loss. The Mediterranean appearance of the development is not appropriate in a conservation area."

The ARA has followed up this call-in request with its own letter to the Government Office for London outlining its objections. As well as the issue of non-compliance with affordable housing policy, the ARA mentions urban design and architectural issues that do not respect the surrounding architecture, street building line, the prevailing building grain and boundary treatments and incompatibility with the local contexts.

Other issues include the overbearing height and density of the development, its sub-standard design in terms of poor space standards and its reliance on single-aspect dwellings, some of which are north facing.

The development also lacks on-site amenity space, relying instead on small roof terraces and on the already crowded Ravenscourt park.  The proposed destruction of mature trees, with no regard for the environmental impact, is also of concern.

The ARA's letter also mentions the Council’s lack of interest in residents' opinions:
" Unfortunately, this attitude appears to be an emerging characteristic of the Council’s approach to planning and development which, in this instance, has resulted in conflict with important national policy and raises significant urban design effects that have implications beyond the immediate locality. "

For more information please contact mariadoulton@mac.com

 

18th January, 2010