The Clifden Road White Elephant
Around 4 or 5 years ago 23 Clifden Road was bought by a developer who, after starting work, put in a planning application for a single-storey rear extension, two-storey side extension and roof extension, and a “bed-in-shed” annex. The application turned the property into a 7 bedroom, 6 bathroom house.Despite the plans being clearly designed for multi-occupancy bed-sits the Hounslow Planning Officer inexplicably believed the developer’s story that he intended the house only for his daughter and grandchild. Following vehement objections from local residents the Hounslow Planning Officer tried to backtrack and deny the application so it then went to the Planning Inspector who went on to approve the plans. The application was granted with one of the clauses stating that multi-occupancy is not permitted.The building work was completed I think sometime in 2013, the daughter and grandchild never moved in, and the house was put on the market at £2.3million. Not surprisingly the house has not sold. In my view no family will be interested in such a large house with tiny bedrooms, miniscule kitchen and “convenient” toilet/shower located off the main reception room. Since the work was completed the property has remained largely empty thought reportedly has had a couple of short-term tenants. Such a waste that a prime property in a sought after location, and with off-street parking, was ruined by the developer’s plans and the Planning Officers who approved them.The price has reduced a few times and is now down to offers in Excess of £1,250,000.I’d be interested in other’s views on the property and its likely future.
Reg Ghosh ● 3777d1 Comments