BBC Presenter Speaks Out Against 'Goldhawk Block'
John Humphrys says he is "wholly opposed" to the development
The BBC Radio and Television presenter, John Humphrys, has thrown his weight behind the campaign against the building of a controversial new development off Goldhawk Road.
At a planning meeting on Wednesday (September 23), the Council will decide whether or not to grant planning permission for 57 homes and eight commercial units to be built on the site of the Goldhawk Industrial Estate. The Estate is currently home to businesses such as Innocent drinks and the Soundhouse recording studios.
But in a letter sent to Soundhouse director, Paul Deely, and forwarded on to H&F councillors, Humphrys says he is "wholly opposed" to the development.
"I am surprised and dismayed at the plans proposed for the Goldhawk Road Industrial Estate. I have lived in this area for 25 years and regard the estate and the businesses it houses as a considerable asset to the neighbourhood," he wrote.
"My own personal association is with the Sound House, where I have been recording programmes ever since it came into existence more than twenty years ago. It is a classic example of a small business that has grown to maturity in the area where it was born. It meets local needs as well as bringing in both national and international clients, thus enhancing the status of Hammersmith.
"All residential areas need a mix of domestic homes and businesses if they are to prosper. The Goldhawk Estate makes a vital contribution. It provides employment not only for the tenants and their staff but also promotes the use of local amenities such as shops, restaurants, hotels and taxi companies.
"So much for the positives. The negatives will be familiar to everyone who lives here. In short, the proposed development is totally unsuitable for this restricted site: far too many new homes in an area that is already struggling with parking and congestion problems. It's hard to imagine where all the additional cars will be parked, given that on-street parking can often be a nightmare as it is. I am wholly opposed to this development and I hope my opposition - along with that of so many others - will be registered."
Following the consultation process, the developers, London Newcastle, said they had made “major changes” to the scheme in response to residents' concerns, including lowering the height and layout of the original proposals.
September 22, 2009
