This is the second episode in this saga - the first one ending when the Northumberland Estate lost their appeal at a public inquiry. Yes, we all knew they would not go quietly and leave well alone, so it is no surprise that we are having to go through all this yet again. Last time The Isleworth Society, plot holders and locals combined to lobby members of the planning committee to refuse permission against Hounslow's officers' advice to approve. You do have to question the same old reasons being trotted out to justify this development - the same reasons that have been given previously to get the hotel through, the garden centre and new road through the park. Also the estate uses the house and park for many commercial reasons, filming, festivals all apparently because they need the money, so where did all the money already raised go? If this proposed development is really to enable the upkeep of Syon House then let's see the financial details. Cllr. Curran is quoted as telling people 'we need to work with the Duke' - really? The estate have no interest whatsoever apart from their own, and Hounslow need to grow a pair and back local residents to the hilt, instead of taking such a feeble attitude. There will be no homes for NHS staff, that is just emotive nonsense and who in Heaven's name will be able to afford to live in this development? The planning inspector made a point of the value of this site as local open space, and Hounslow should be exploring CPO possibilities to ensure its future in perpetuity. As well as allotment use the contribution to the areas' biodiversity along with the adjoining churchyard, providing habitat for birds and small mammals should not be underestimated. Once these sites are built on they are gone forever and this is true of other places in the borough as has been mentioned. We cannot afford to be complacent and we have a right to expect our local council will defend our green spaces from any encroachment - at every opportunity.
Vanessa Smith ● 1528d