Forum Topic

Alfa Laval and Westgate House

Good to see that the Council has finally decided to serve an enforcement notice against the firms using these 2 buildings illegally as advertising sites.  Possibly just a coincidence but could it have something to do with the fact that my written complaints to the Planning Department, which have gone unanswered since February, have now ended up on the Local Government Ombudsman's desk?  I was told this week that the case is being investigated for maladministration.  Maybe I ought to start writing in now about the New England advertising site?

Marie Power ● 6842d11 Comments

Thanks. It was reassuring to hear that planning permission for the New England hoarding had not been given, and that enforcement action will follow shortly. Given the current rash of illegal ads along the Gt West Road perhaps it's time to make an example of someone responsible.  The Local Authority can take a court case, although admittedly the max fines could hardly be said to be punitive. But as you say, the most important thing is that these horrible ad sites are going (we hope!).In response to Andrew Dakers earlier posting, I wouldn't mind going to relevant Area Committee meetings if I was free and will explore LBH website for further details.

Marie Power ● 6838d

The New England hoarding is totally without any planning permission (I'm glad to say) and I'm told an enforcement notice will be served shortly. Barratt Homes promised that the Westgate House hoarding would come down this weekend - unfortunately they have broken their promise. And the Alfa Lavel hoarding will shortly, I'm told, get taken down by LBH and the costs charged on. It was my understanding that the owners of the hoardings were bringing a series of generally ridiculous appeals to the various enforcement actions being carried out, and it is only now that we are at the end of that process. When you look how much attention they have attracted, I'm fairly sure that they would have been removed earlier than now if it was at all possible.The important thing is, we are hopefully about to get rid of some very ugly advertisements (and at least one ugly building) and, more importantly, the light pollution that goes along with them.

Matt Harmer ● 6839d

I can not say - although I am sure we could all speculate - as to why the old administration did not take any action last November.  I made it clear during the recent election campaign that the Lib Dems would support immediate action, as we have done.On the New England, we need to seek clarification of planning permissions.  As I said I think it may have been given temporary planning permission under delegated powers to officers.  How long for, and what the hoarding was meant to look like, I dont know.  Clearly needs research, but if it was given permission under delegated powers (or by the planning committee!) I imagine the view that would have been taken is that if the applicants appealed the decision it would have been difficult for the council to defend (for legal and resource reasons)...As a councillor I find planning legislation pretty ineffectual at times in supporting the high quality, environment and people friendly design I would like to see achieved...and the lack of resources for the council to defend difficult decisions is also hugely frustrating.Local people and local councils will have even less influence under the gov'ts latest proposals to increase the Mayor's planning powers.  For more info see my recent media release on the subject:http://www.hounslowlibdems.org.uk/news/220.html...you may also want to send an email into DCLG and let Ruth Kelly know your views on the Mayor's powers consultation.Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 6841d

OK.  But from the moment that the advertisements were declared illegal (which I was told they were last November) the Council had the right either to take them down themselves (and re-charge for the expenses) or to require that they be taken down.  And they did nothing.  On the New England, if they have planning permission, who granted it?

Marie Power ● 6841d

Ooops, hit the button too many times in my enthusiasm! Sorry folks....

Audrey Walton ● 6841d

In my humble opinion Jim, it looks bloody awful!!! To hell with being PC!!

Audrey Walton ● 6841d

In my humble opinion Jim, it looks bloody awful!!! To hell with being PC!!

Audrey Walton ● 6841d

New England Pub has closed down in recent times..and it didn't take time until the scaffolders arrived!Wonder what they're doing there the locals thought. Adding to the beauty of the locality?oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Jim Lawes ● 6841d

Alfa Laval! The Brooke Road North area at the junction with the Great West Road is becoming a slum..with litter, debris and eyesores everywhere!

Jim Lawes ● 6842d

Marie.Thanks for posting about this issue...and for the effort you have made already to stop these eyesores.Westgate House for example..its Corporate Graffiti.

Jim Lawes ● 6842d

I would argue the reason that enforcement notices have been served is straightforward: these are illegal hoardings.  Local councillors on a cross-party basis made it very clear from the first local area committee meeting after the May elections that we expected action to be taken.  Are you able to attend local area committee meetings and hear the debate?  You can also ask questions.These enforcement notices were well timed to strengthen the council's case in the recent public inquiry on a proposed building that would carry about 7 LCD displays (if permission is granted) on Chiswick Roandabout.  I sat in on three days of the public inquiry at Brentford Free Church (half of my summer break!)I may be wrong, but I think the New England site has planning permission for a temporary hoarding.  If this is the case I think it would have been very difficult for the council to mount a case against that application.Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 6842d