In all the many different strategy documents, I see a resounding chorus of the river and canals being of primary importance to Brentford, for instance from the Brentford Area Action Plan 2007 (BAAP):“Supporting and developing appropriate access to the river and canal4.39 The River Thames and the Grand Union Canal/ River Brent are key elements in the environment of Isleworth and Brentford. Their contribution to the landscape, ecology and local amenities are of fundamental significance. Appropriate access to the river and canal is of importance in exploiting the benefits that the river and canal offer to the area and includes the protection of places to service and repair boats and areas to take boats on and off the waterways.”I can’t say I am versed in local government planning, but for me what I find wanting from all this planning process, is a ‘Brentford Rivers and Canal Side’ vision, with supporting strategy and tactics/action/criteria, which would be simple and clear to all, especially owners and developers of land next to the rivers and canals in Brentford.In absence of this we seem to get a tortuous exchange between land owners/developers and the council, with the usual result of a waiting game by developers until buildings fall into disrepair and the council and residents are so fed up with the town looking like a third world war zone, that they agree to have anything. This usually results in the highest profit making solution for developers at the expense of the residents’ access to its greatest town asset – the rivers and canal.In such a ‘Brentford River and Canal Side Vision and Strategy’, it would be nice to have such things as:Vision: To have the rivers and canals of Brentford as the heartbeat of the town, that can be seen and felt by all its residents and visitors.Strategy:To open up the river and canal side for the people of Brentford to use and enjoy, whilst ensuring the quality of the natural environment of the river and its banks are preserved and improved.Tactics:1. Create a Brentford Promenade (similar to at Richmond Bridge), from Kew Bridge to Brentford centre, with cafes and leisure facilities.2. The Council to acquire ownership or priority rights to land and buildings next to the river, when available, and open up the space for access to the waterside.The properties along the River Thames, which are currently derelict, waiting for development or up for sale include:• Albany House, 41 High Street• Autobar House, 41-42 Kew Bridge Road, TW8 0DY (opposite the Steam Museum)• Lot’s Ait• Scottish Widows on the Kew Bridge corner• Ferry Wharf
Duncan Walker ● 6478d