Forum Topic

Joined up thinking strikes again!!  Not!

A few months ago Brook Road South was completely resurfaced to surprise of most as it was in better condition than most of the streets off it.Despite it being pointed out that construction works were likely to :a,  Damage the road surface with heavy plant movementsb, Carry out excavations in Brook Road,They were as usual ignored. And this week a huge chunk of new road has been dug up.You can guarantee that it will be a subsided and patched series of bumps within 2 years, never to be properly reinstated.The client for the road surfacing ?   London Borough of HounslowThe client for the building constructions ?  London Borough of Hounslow.And we trust these professionals to deliver a top class development in Brentford High Street.Fat chance.   What a waste of taxpayers money.

Anthony Waller ● 3908d4 Comments

Temporary Bump so I do not have to search for ages to find this thread again..... A more substantive post about the new houses will follow........ Iain

Iain Muir ● 3840d

I think it's a bit of an understatement there Anthony.These houses have cost more than would be economically viable for a private developer.But the specifications go way beyond that of the surrounding properties and in reality these are luxury houses.All paid for by the taxpayer.I do agree, having seen on site the poor basic specification of the A2 Dominion development by the A4 that is is not right that affordable should mean low quality but these houses are at the other extreme.The 'premium' apartments are in reality average and what anywhere else but London would pass as average affordable.This is why so many objected. How will the cost ever be justified for just 3 homes?  Who will be able to afford to rent these if rented at market value?That would put any prospective tenant in the higher tax bracket just to pay the lower end of the market rent.Indeed who will the lucky council tenants be?  A very costly councillors whim at great expense to the taxpayer.It would be better to ensure developers build better quality affordable homes in developments.

Raymond Havelock ● 3907d

The answer is Yes. The road did not really need resurfacing, especially when compared to others in the vicinity, Albany Road is collapsing in several places and Lateward road is full of potholes.This was also known before HH created their program. They simply did not listen.The contractors actually notified LBH Highways and residents that the road would need to be dug up at some stage during construction so it is not rocket science to defer until completed.As for the houses. They are quite nice although modern building standards makes them very cramped inside and rather dark.But the cost for the two in Brook road is astronomic.  The re-routing of electricity cables and water ducts cost a fortune before a single brick was laidThe high spec even includes solar panels on the rear roof. Of a type that do not meet conservation area specs which is rather annoying for other homeowners who have been restricted by the local conservation areas.Compared to the absolutely appalling 'affordable' housing being thrown up by A2D and other local developments, these 'affordable houses' are anything but.These are almost economically unviable as affordable. But on the other hand why should affordable mean cheap and nasty?I still the think the spaces should have been retained for better community use like cycle storage and car club parking and electric car recharging etc.How these homes will ever be affordable. The Market rent will put these at over £2000 a month. So what does affordable actually mean?  Well beyond anything I could ever afford for sure.

Anthony Waller ● 3907d

Anthony, are you suggesting that Hounslow Highways should delay their programmed work because a new development is projected at some stage which will require the road surface to be redone following new service connections? If so, and given the amount of projected development across the borough I suspect that little road resurfacing would actually take place...... By the way, how do you like the new houses, which you previously objected to??

Iain Muir ● 3908d