Forum Topic

Alan and Ann Keens Brentford house.

Can someone please enlighten me as to what is going on with this house.  After the eviction of the squatters there was a flurry of work (or so it seemed) being carried out, but after only a couple of days, its back to square one - all boarded up and left to go to rack and ruin.  I can see the carbunkle of a so called roof window from my kitchen sink and have to look at this eyesore every single day.  I thought this part of Brentford was in a conservation area, and needed planning permission for nearly all work to be carried out, with specific plans for loft conversion.  The front windows are again all boarded up, and the back and fencing has not even been touched.  This just shows the contempt these so called MPs have for their neighbours, and as for Ann Keen being given a vote of confidence from her loyal followers it just beggers belief, and that they are just so out of touch with the people of Brentford.

Mrs. Sue Cain ● 6121d82 Comments

My mate Andrew?  I thought I was supposed to be a Tory?  Or a fascist?  Or....oh, I give up!

Phil Andrews ● 6090d

No, Phil, you did mention the acne. And the "bully beef haircut", the "knitted cardigan", the fact that I'm squat, could not possibly pull a girlfriend, and am still living with my parents. (Oh hold on a minute, forget the last one - it could rebound on your mate Andrew Dakers).

Robin Taylor ● 6090d

Are you affected by empty homes? Whether your experience is the nightmare of living next to an empty home, owning an empty property or the challenge of rescuing one - the independent charity The Empty Homes Agency (EHA) would like to hear from you. Visit the EHA website and share your story. The information you provide will create a unique record and resource that will enable people to better understand the problem of empty homes and help encourage more people to rescue them.

Fran Naughton ● 6090d

EXACTLY like Alan Keen? :p

Stephanie Kitsune ● 6090d

I've given a description before Robin, but I think I may have left out the National Health specs held together by a sticking plaster.  Oh, and the acne.

Phil Andrews ● 6090d

Your beauty or otherwise was not mentioned and I didn't ask.

Jim Lawes ● 6090d

"... as I said, I take it you will be voting Labour in the next election... good luck".Thanks, Sue. I think I'll be needing it!

Robin Taylor ● 6090d

I intend to believe the tabloids, so all other MP's expenses were much less than the papers reported on?  -  I don't think so - they are all as bad as one another - as I said, I take it you will be voting Labour in the next election... good luck

Mrs. Sue Cain ● 6090d

""Call for Taylor..he'll sort them out".  I can't tell you my source."Presumably, then, your "source" can give a physical description of me? Let's here it, Jim.

Robin Taylor ● 6090d

Sue,The tabloids are a law to themselves. Ann has claimed less expenses than most MPs for six of the last seven years - according to the TheyWorkForYou.com website. In terms of her contribution to the borough, Ann helped to secure the building of a new hospital on the site of the West Mid. Also, prescriptions are now free for all cancer-related drugs, thanks to Ann and her colleagues at the Department of Health.

Robin Taylor ● 6090d

Thank you for your comments, I take it you will voting for them in the next General Election, all I can say as a true Brentonian, having been born and breed in Brentford and have lived here all my life, The Keens have done nothing in my own personal opinion to enhance the Borough in any way, only to bring it to front the pages of the tabloids with the expenses scandal.  Are Mr. & Mrs. Keen proud of their new titles of Mr. & Mrs. Expenses?

Mrs. Sue Cain ● 6090d

""Robin, Just treat these moronic remarks with the contempt they really deserve, he really isn't worth the bother.""Charming senior chav language..as always.As you should know, Mr Taylor treats almost everybody's remarks with contempt..whether they be stupid, foolish or even sensible or relevant..so you've added nothing to the thread. I'm glad you don't like me and enjoy throwing disparaging remarks in my direction. It gives me strength!

Jim Lawes ● 6090d

Stephanie,Those flower baskets will sure need loving care..but maybe the builders will look after the watering.My posting about the rotweiler's activities on these Forums is not a hunch..but fact. That Labour Activist has been handpicked to cause havoc on these Forums because of the alarm in some Labour Party circles that the Conservatives, ICG, and the Lib Dems were too having too much of their own way. Mrs Keen MP was getting battered too much and the camp in the red corner had had enough. "Call for Taylor..he'll sort them out".  I can't tell you my source.So, the pugnatious Mr Taylor is excessively persistant because his pugnatious Masters are worried and have given him a job to do. If anyone receives a black eye..it has come with the compliments of West London Labour and Waterloo Towers. We won't be throwing in the towel ..be sure!  Fun on Forums isn't it?

Jim Lawes ● 6090d

"I water their house, every time I pass it."Well you're doing a thoroughly good job, it's growing beautifully, just look at that glorious extension that's sprouted out of the top! Your fault entirely Phil/Steve/Me :p

Stephanie Kitsune ● 6090d

I water their house, every time I pass it.

Phil Andrews ● 6090d

"Incidentally the house looks pretty (thanks for posting pictures), I hope they've asked someone to pop over and water the window boxes occasionally."Can they claim the water on expenses?

Paul Fisher ● 6090d

Incidentally the house looks pretty (thanks for posting pictures), I hope they've asked someone to pop over and water the window boxes occasionally.

Stephanie Kitsune ● 6090d

"We must all be made aware though that Mr Taylor,according to top contacts,  had been handpicked by West London Labour, the local Labour Party and Waterloo Towers..some months back...to take some time to research postings and past postings these Forums, and then to be let off the leish to hound locals like a mad rotweiler.He is being supplied information and given instructions. He needs to keep up his ferocious activities all the time whilst his Masters gleenfuly observe what he's doing..paid or unpaid. He is their spokesman."Is this just a big hunch or do you have sources? I mean it's pretty foolish tactics in my humble opinion if that is the case, sending someone as aggressive and relentless and 'rottweillery' as Robin in (although I've actually found Robins posts a bit more chilled and readable in the last week or two, but again that's just my opinion) to annoy a bunch of people on forums in a bid to try and get those people to vote for your political party.. But then I try not to delve into political tactics, so it's all Greek to me."Regarding Planning Permission data..is it not possible to access the Hounslow Council website, enter the Planning dept pages..enter the address of the Keens and view the plans and decisions?"Why yes it is :)Full planning permission was approved on June 10th 2008 for "Erection of a rear roof extension incorporating one front roof light." No further applications regarding the rear roof light have been made for that address.So that would say to me that the extension is fine but it shouldn't have the back window, only the front one. I double checked with my mum who used to work for the Richmond council planning dpt and she was inclined to agree.Hope that helps too!

Stephanie Kitsune ● 6090d

"Mr Taylor,according to top contacts,  had been handpicked by West London Labour, the local Labour Party and Waterloo Towers..some months back...to take some time to research postings and past postings these Forums..."You really do live in a fantasy world, don't you Jim?

Robin Taylor ● 6090d

""If people break planning laws, they should be condemned for failing to abide by the rules""Exactly. As when they ignore and disobey and become very obstinate when challenged..and build tripe..one looks at the their provenance.  That historic farmhouse in Heston is a fine example.We must all be made aware though that Mr Taylor,according to top contacts,  had been handpicked by West London Labour, the local Labour Party and Waterloo Towers..some months back...to take some time to research postings and past postings these Forums, and then to be let off the leish to hound locals like a mad rotweiler.He is being supplied information and given instructions. He needs to keep up his ferocious activities all the time whilst his Masters gleenfuly observe what he's doing..paid or unpaid. He is their spokesman.When you're being attacked by Mr Taylor it is being done with the full backing of West London Labour and Waterloo Towers.A check on various search engines ("Robin Taylor Labour) reveals of stream of local press readers objecting to his behavior.But local Labourites I've spoken with don't like him..and one even said "don't believe all he says".Claire,thank you for your comments..and Mrs Cain: Pleased for you that things are moving forward.Regarding Planning Permission data..is it not possible to access the Hounslow Council website, enter the Planning dept pages..enter the address of the Keens and view the plans and decisions? Hope that helps.

Jim Lawes ● 6090d

Claire,You have previously described yourself as a Labour voter who simply isn't willing to vote for Ann Keen.Yet for the second time running, you have endorsed remarks on race that have been made by right wing Tories.I suspect that if the local Labour Party got rid of Ann and replaced her with another candidate (as you wish) you would then start demanding that the party junked its entire philosophy as well.Jim's remarks were, as I said, scummy. He referred to the "architectural rape" of Osterley and blamed it on one ethnic group. If people break planning laws, they should be condemned for failing to abide by the rules - and not because they belong to this or that racial category.Regarding your remark that ..."I and Jim are entitled to that opinion as much as ethnic groups are entitled to their opinion".Of course you are, but please explain what you mean by "ethnic groups are entitled to their opinion". You are a member of an ethnic group, as is everybody else. In this context, it's a meaningless piece of phraseology.

Robin Taylor ● 6090d

Sue,I'm glad you like what the Keens are doing to their property, but it really has nothing to do with the comments posted on this forum. The Keens are responsible people who would have done this sooner had their political opponents not slowed the process by publicising the empty property in the media, thus leading to it being taken over by squatters.As far as the loft window goes, my understanding is that they were given planning permission to install only a small one - and naturally, they are sticking to the letter of the rules on this.

Robin Taylor ● 6090d

I don't understand why Jim's remark is being classed as 'scuzzy' or should be treated with 'contempt'. Diversity as I understand it, is recognising people's differences and treating accordingly. Jim has simply recognised, as I'm sure that many have, that houses that do not really fit the traditional surroundings tend to belong to a particular ethnic group in this area. Nothing offensive about that.My sister is an estate agent and can fully support this assertion. Sash windows tend to be ripped out for double glazing. Ceiling roses artexed and the lovely gold gates and lions heads that are prominent in Osterley at the moment appear to be the taste of choice of that ethnic group.I for one do not like this look and do not think it is in keeping with the surroundings but I and Jim are entitled to that opinion as much as ethnic groups are entitled to their opinion that it looks lovely. And the decision to dismiss one ethnic group's opinion as scuzzy or to treat it with contempt simply is not very diverse. Diversity goes both ways and the sooner some people really that the better for all.

Claire Peleschka ● 6090d

I would just like to says thanks to you all, out of all this - one thing is for sure Mr. & Mrs. Keen must have read some of the comments on this forum, as I have just returned from holiday .... men working on the house ..... fence fixed wonders will never cease ..  lets all wait and see if and when they will move back to their first home, and thanks for all your valued comments as at long last they seem to have been taken on board.  I would still like an answer to the loft window? has planning permission now been given to do it properly? and in line with everyone elses ?

Mrs. Sue Cain ● 6091d

Robin, Just treat these moronic remarks with the contempt they really deserve, he really isn't worth the bother.

Vanessa Smith ● 6092d

I told myself.."he'll go for the jugular you watch"And he has. Be sure I'm happy to stand by my words.

Jim Lawes ● 6092d

Not at all. You are not an expert on the matter either.Neither do you probably have any micro knowledge of what has been happening. I've lived here for 38 years and know whats what.Your response "what a scummy remark" is typical. I have many contacts in this 90% Indian community..and whilst there are many beautifully constructed new homes..a lot are not compatible with what was.That's all I have to say on the matter at the present timeto deny you the opportunity of lunging at my cyberspace throat again.

Jim Lawes ● 6092d

"Osterley eyesores are characteristic of a particular ethnic group of incomers."What a scummy remark.

Robin Taylor ● 6093d

Indeed you have Jim, and I did actually acknowledge this on a posting I recently made (which typically I can't find right now).As I said before I don't in any way consider that the word 'eyesore' was appropriate in respect of the Keen's house.  But that's just my personal view.  Likewise I did feel, and still feel, that labelling it as an 'eyesore' was politically motivated, and again that's just my personal view.

Adam Beamish ● 6093d

Jim - I love your photos and you have a very balanced portfolio which is very informative.  I fully understand why you posted the pix of our MP's house in Brentford and have no worry about you doing so - you were even good enough to post pix of the improvements.The topic zeroed in on the MPs house following very unclear information as to why many MPs thought they could and should claim such a vast array of expenses.  The system some MPs settled in to using has let them down and the fact that MPs were not prepared to evaluate for themselves the system in place is shocking.  All MP's have left themselves open to be challenged.I really hope that whatever system they put in place gives adequate allowances for anyone to become an MP and, good grief, I hope they are fixed and straightforward so we don't go through having to be told what has been put through as an expense, every year!  If the system is straightforward and carefully audited, I really don't have to know....

Sarah Felstead ● 6093d

Over the years Adam, on this Forum, I have posted dozens and dozens of pictures of eyesores in Brentford that needed attention.  I think you may not have been around then. Many of the threads have long gone having fallen off the end of page 10Some of the eyesores were actually quite charming after viewing them so long.  The ugly transport container adjoining the platform at Brentford Station comes to mind.The filthy front entrance of the Magistrates Court..where the brass furniture had never been cleaned and polished and the dust on the ledges had never been attended too..even with just a brush. And then there was the fabulous scene of the dustbins area at the Watermans Art centre..and others sight around the building.Osterley eyesores are characteristic of a particular ethnic group of incomers. Even Councillors can't cope with the architectural rape of the area. I would be hounded by the Robin Taylors of the this world if I dared mention a word.Regarding Mrs Keen's eyesore. That was special. It was no example to others..especially passers by. I've enjoyed the criticism and unfriendly responses that my own contributions have attracted but am quite surprised that others thought that the sight of that prominent building was acceptable.Brentford is brilliant...and so is this Website and Forum.Friendly greetings to you.

Jim Lawes ● 6093d

And no doubt there are many genuine 'eyesores' both in Osterley and all over the borough...but not owned by Labour MP's so apparently not worth making such a fuss over :(

Adam Beamish ● 6093d

Beautiful house Jim, they must really love it, and it is obvious why it is in a conservation area.The Osterley conservation area doesn't appear to be at all conserved so you may find some eyesores which really are awful, along there.

Sarah Felstead ● 6093d

Flower basket at the front door! White window frames. Blinds.Newly painted and cleaned up front door. Unpolished brass but so what..we've got our beautiful Brook Road South back surely?What's next?

Jim Lawes ● 6093d

In addition to Sarah and Tim postings, I was also urged by senior members of the local Labour Party who I spoke with at the Memorial Event..to get round there and snap the changes!!Obviously our input had been acknowledged! Look! the window frames have been painted white (although I liked the grey!) and flower boxes have arrived on the window sills. As Tim said blinds have been fitted etc etc.. That's more like it! More smart middle class.Don't let the road down any more!What do you reckon?

Jim Lawes ● 6093d

Thanks for the tip-off Sarah...and Tim too.Blimey!, what an improvement..and thank goodness too. It would have been bad enough looking at it everyday for the past few months....if one was very very local...without worrying if the lot would snap and keel over on vunerable folk like me!! ;0)So, well done the TW8.com agitators for getting a result. You have the power to make change!! Nothing would have happened had we not complained!!

Jim Lawes ● 6093d

When you  said hoardings, I thought you meant the builders had screened the house off from the road. Biking past it today, it all looks nicely presentable. No builder's hoardings, new perpendicular fence at the rear, lowered pastel blinds in all the windows.Only drawbacks I could see as I flashed by were the plywood still in the loft window and the tips of a scaffolding tower in the back garden visible over the fence.Any ideas if they've moved back in yet ?

Tim Henderson ● 6095d

Smart hoardings up tonight, Jim, and no sign of any skips unless tucked in the back garden.  In fairness I would be concerned that they might have difficulty with overnight skips and scallywags removing the lights.

Sarah Felstead ● 6098d

Well, level playing field Robin, you do precisely the same in term of scoring points off ICG/Tory supporters any way you can.I drive through the Borough everyday (and live in it) and can't say I've noticed any difference since SITA took over the refuse collection contract, my observations are more directed towards a sizeable proportion of privately owned houses or other buildings in the Borough.

Adam Beamish ● 6099d

Adam,You're beginning to see what Ann Keen is up against. For Jim to post a picture of a front door and a few weeds and call it an "eyesore" is just so petty. And you're right, the state of some parts of the borough - especially since the new cleaning contractor took over in March - is deplorable. I was down there today and I noticed it myself.But Phil and Jim are not concerned about that. They're just interested in scoring points off the Keens in any way they can.

Robin Taylor ● 6099d

But neither is an 'eyesore' Jim.  What do you honestly see in the photograph of the front of the Keen's house that constitutes an 'eyesore' ?.  Afew weeds, and what apppears to be a tiny amount of discarded materials.  Hardly an 'eyesore'.And for once I really think Phil has made a bit of a mistake here by suggesting he thinks the Keen's house looks like a sh*thole and that his view isn't based upon any political bias.  Either he walks round much of the rest of the Borough with his eyes closed, or he is acknowledging that most of the Borough is a sh*thole, or he's politically biased.

Adam Beamish ● 6099d

Brook Road North OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooAnd Brook Road South.oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooAnd which one is in a Conservation Area?

Jim Lawes ● 6099d

It's okay, Adam. Phil is still joking. He calls himself a "non-participant" in the general election (which is true in the sense that he's not a candidate himself) but he's chosen to launch a campaign telling people who they mustn't vote for. By doing so, he's made himself one of the issues.

Robin Taylor ● 6099d

Flipping heck, that means I must look at most of the Borough and think "what a sh*thole" !.

Adam Beamish ● 6099d

Au contraire, as a non-pariticpant in the general election and as someone who has no idological commitment to any of the candidates or their parties I can look at things with a certain amount of detachment.I look at Ann's and Alan's gaff, in a detached kind of way, and say - "what a sh*thole!"

Phil Andrews ● 6099d

"As another political neutral..."Good to see you've got a sense of humour, Phil.

Robin Taylor ● 6099d

Now I wouldn't say that either Phil, because to me you're just described a fairly sizeable proportion of your electorate's gardens as a 'bloody mess', as gardens/properties in this type of condition are to me commonplace in this and many other Boroughs.It's just silly, and to me this is why the politically charged individuals on this website like Jim and Robin ruin their own credibility.

Adam Beamish ● 6099d

As another political neutral, how about "bloody mess"?

Phil Andrews ● 6099d

How, as a political neutral but with a man in the street type perspective on this, I wish Jim would stop using the entirely inappropriate word 'eyesore', it really is nothing of the sort.

Adam Beamish ● 6099d

That's two new skips on the scene today!

Jim Lawes ● 6099d

Is that to be their third home?

Phil Andrews ● 6099d

What, no photo?

Kath Richardson ● 6099d

I gather that a skip has arrived and is parked in the road..and most importanly it has lighting!

Jim Lawes ● 6099d

RobimPlease feel free to quote me at any time in your leaflets.

Paul Fisher ● 6101d

"In my view it is horribly wide of the mark to reduce the ICG to the same level as Robin's crass and infantile yah-boo tribalism."- ICG Councillor Phil Andrews, Brentford Forum, 11/09/09."Lets hope the full details of these two despicable parasites (the Keens) becomes public knowledge."- ICG Councillor Paul Fisher, Brentford Forum, 12/09/09.

Robin Taylor ● 6101d

Lets hope the full the details of these two despicable parasites becomes public knowledge?Again the only supporters of these two come from outside the Borough and that says it all really!

Paul Fisher ● 6102d

Yes, I have asked the House of Commons for the records of the agreement.

Tim Henderson ● 6102d

The investigation is no big deal. Tory Shadow Chancellor George Osborne is being investigated by the same body. Pretty well any MP can call for an investigation into an opponent, and some have done so for political purposes. The fact is that the Keens took advice from the Parliamentary authorities before embarking on their action.

Robin Taylor ● 6102d

Tucked away at the bottom of the Hounslow Guardian piece on the house was an update on the second homes investigation :http://www.hounslowguardian.co.uk/news/4586984.The_lights_aren_t_on_and_nobody_s_home__Keens__house_remains_empty/ Details of second home investigation 'may never be known'Details of the investigation into whether the Keens misused their second home allowance may never be revealed to the public, the parliamentary standards watchdog has said.John Lyon, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, launched a probe into the couple’s expenses claims following a complaint more than two months ago.A spokeswoman confirmed that Mr Lyon had agreed to follow up the complaint, but this week said the investigation was still ongoing.She said: “There’s three ways the case can be resolved, which are it can be dismissed, there could be an informal resolution, and in either of these cases I would tell you if you asked me, but we would not make the details available to the public.“If the commisssioner reports to the committee if he upholds the complaint or dismisses it, then his report is always made available to the public. In this case it is still ongoing.”

Tim Henderson ● 6102d

You asked if anything was going on. Well raising my camera above my big head last week, and pressing a button, this was the image captured.Interestingly one of the local papers published a similar picture on Thursday/Friday.  It will be a major job removing that rubble from the garden. Maybe the fence and garage doors will have to come down for that exercise.It's a prominant corner house in a top area of Brentford. That's why its property is a particular eyesore.

Jim Lawes ● 6102d

Anthony,My understanding is that planning officers informed the Keens that they could only have a loft window of a small size - and naturally, the Keens kept to the letter of this ruling.Regarding your remark that "one rule applies to us and not to them", you're absolutely correct - but only in the sense that the Tory/ICG coalition have instructed officers to discriminate AGAINST the Keens.This can be seen clearly from the fact that the council notified the press that it had sent the Keens a letter warning them about the consequences of leaving their property empty - but the Keens DID NOT THEMSELVES RECEIVE THE LETTER UNTIL SEVERAL DAYS LATER.Basically, it was a stitch-up designed to cause the Keens maximum political damage. The last I heard, the council have still not responded to the Freedom of Information request that the Keens raised about why the press was informed long before they themselves were.You and I might call it "dirty tricks" - but I suspect that Phil Andrews and the Tories would call it "politics".

Robin Taylor ● 6103d

I think I can hear thunder in the distance..and wonder if this saga is going to ignite again.Thanks for your posting Anthony..that was all very revealing.In the meantime, I'm sorry that this corner house of dear Brentford is becoming very rundown.

Jim Lawes ● 6103d

Now we are getting down to the real issues of this property.  I am very pleased that I made the decision to highlight this particular problem regarding this property on this forum.  I await to hear the outcome of this latest development regarding planning permission on 38 Brook Road South, and the Keens return to their first home!!!

Mrs. Sue Cain ● 6103d

AnthonyI am disturbed by your account of events and would be appalled to think that we as an authority operated any kind of double standards.  Notwithstanding the fact that my group is part of the administation at the council, if you feel there would be a benefit to be had by lodging a formal complaint I would be happy to assist you through the process.

Phil Andrews ● 6103d

Both my neighbour and myself contacted Hounslow's planning department when building work at the Keens house first commenced.At the time, We had no idea who occupied the property nor did our neighbours, but the loft window cleanly overlooks our bedrooms and bathrooms.We were unhappy about the fact that we had no planning notification of proposed works.The reply from LBH planning officers was far from satisfactory. It subsequently turned out that just a few properties in Lateward road were notified and I recently found out that none of those have any sort of view of 38 Brook Road South.Around the same time we had an application refused for a loft conversion on grounds that the windows would overlook....properties including, wait for it......... No38 Brook road South.  Secondly, the conservation rules were so restrictive that what could be done would do more damage to the house with too little a gain. So that was that. And yet, all along the back of Lateward road are an array of loft rooms with all manner of window combinations and shapes.So now I know who the owners are, it leaves me wondering how one rule applies to to us and not to them.As for the fence along no 38, That is downright dangerous. I had dropped a polite note into No38 weeks before the squatters and also some months before about open windows and exposed roof beams getting weather damaged. Seems both were ignored and not even a polite word of thanks.Not what I would expect now I know who the owners are. Very disillusioning.

Anthony Waller ● 6103d

Maybe we should just tie some rope around the tops of the fence posts and then tie it to something on the garden side or peg it into the ground with tent pegs (I have lots of spare ones) to hold the fence back up straight again and stop the danger of it falling down. It would only take about 20 minutes and I'm sure nobody would mind as there's nobody living there.

Stephanie Kitsune ● 6103d

Good morning Jim,I note with interest your comments,and thank you for them.  I like you have lived in Brentford all my life, I was born in Brentford and all my family still live here as well.  I like walking my dog around the streets, and I agree with you, most of all the houses are kept in very good order with pretty front gardens.  This Forum has been very lively and I feel shows true feelings of the anger that has built up over the last 18 months regarding the Keens houses and also their lack of presence in and around Brentford, also the expenses scandal that goes onlong with it.  I myself do not live not very far from their house, I have have never met them, I may have seen them on very rare occasions, whislst walking my dog, but they have never even attempted to say good morning.  I wonder if they will make a little bit more effort in the run up to the elections???

Mrs. Sue Cain ● 6103d

Next door to Mr and Mrs Keen's property is a sheltered home for about eight residents in their own flatlets. Some are disabled but all of them might struggle to be confident enoughto pass by this dodgy looking fencing.It's ok for you! Think of local schoolchildren passing to St Pauls along the road, those residents and me even! Action stations..surely the Keens have a handyman.

Jim Lawes ● 6103d

Hi Fran,"Informers" wasn't the correct work to use in hindsight...as it may have given the impression that I have lots of spies working all over the place for me..and so I should withdraw that as it causes a misunderstanding.I am a fan of dear Brentford true and true and have enjoyed for many years wandering around the streets and byeways recording it's history, it's oddities,the happenings..and most of all I'm involved in it's promotion as a jewel with many many interesting sparkles.Like walking around with a dog, I find that having a camera in hand..and maybe photographing someone's pretty front garden (or topiary!),or building or scene... locals can be very forward in wanting to have a chat. More often I call to them and say what I'm doing. One learns so much, and having lived in the Borough for over 70 years..and being reasonably good at geography and local history..I find the whole experience of exploring Brentford fascinating.  Events like the Brentford Festival and the Brentford Fayre are fab highlightsI'm trying to convey that my activities in Brentford are not dubious. This Forum has enabled us all to be more au fait with the Keen's...and other matters  It seems extraordinary to me that I have only ever seen them on three occasions since they were elected in 1997..that's 12 years ago.  But I'm not too concerned about that.So in Brook Road South, people speak to me. That's how I glean information.  Pride in appearance should be apparent at that house..even if the builders have been around for one year...and safety aspects around the developemnt should be attended to to set an example. Remember the dark unlit skip in October?  Now we have the dodgy looking fence falling into Lateward Road. And just so many many people convey their disappointment.. and anger sometimes. You should hear them. The saga continues.Best wishes to you anyway.

Jim Lawes ● 6103d

QUOTE...The Keen's have been popping back to the house..on several occasions recently...I gather from informers spoken with this evening.UNQUOTE...Sad.......

Fran Naughton ● 6103d

Maybe... Just Maybe.. Ann Keen is ignoring thousands and thousands of negative posts....because (maybe) she busier dealing for us other than her house(s)broken fence (you should see mine! hope nobody starts taking pictures of my broken fence) and herself?My very, very close friend has a serious medical condition, multipule aneurysms on her brain.  Which the NHS basically have caused more distress and upset to my friend due to their long series of 'cock ups' since November last year.   I suggested to my friend to send an email to Ann Keen on Monday morning.  By Monday afternoon my friend had a response that the matter is now being dealt with from the 'very top' of the hospital involved. I have not seen my friend feeling so positive that she might now get her operation...Thank you Anne....

Fran Naughton ● 6103d

I may well be wrong but I seriously doubt Brentford will ever see the Keens live in that house again.  They will both lose any forthcoming election and even if they did by some miracle win, they would probably stay put in their second home.  As for this house, whether work was haulted because of planning or not(I personally think it has to be more to do with planning than with builders as if it were the builders surely you would have found new ones by now) it will eventually be tarted up and probably sold.  Who would want to come and live amongst the wrath of constituents and neighbours having had their greed exposed to all and sundry?

Bernadette Paul ● 6104d

Thank you very much for this picture, it just gives an indication of how it has been left.  The front still has metal windows boarding it up, and still a carbunkle of an extension at the top.  If this was a normal family stuck in this predictament with their builders  --- where would we go, not to a apartment overlooking the Thames just around the corner to where we live oh no.. we would be stuck , and hopefully with insurance to at least put us up in a hotel until this sorry mess is sorted out ....... what about the planning permission, and as for the Keens being the pillars of their local community - have they any idea when and if they will be looking back to moving back to their FIRST home - or are they going to wait until after the general election to finish this house off?

Mrs. Sue Cain ● 6104d

Mrs Cain,I think I know the house you are talking about!ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooIt was an eyesore Mr Taylor BEFORE the squatters srrived..so your  published point of view is incorrect and misleading.The Keen's have been popping back to the house..on several occasions recently...I gather from informers spoken with this evening.The dangerous fencing and ugly greenery both front and back is incompatible with being the first home of a local MPor worst still..2 MPs.  I'm sick of seeing the sight of the place  and near neighbours must feel the same. It's time they smartened up the exterior view of the place.Brentford is supposed to be BRILLIANT says the uplifting campaign. Not in Keenland I'm afraid.

Jim Lawes ● 6104d

I'll have a quick review of the planning ins & outs on this and come back later, not that I know what's going on in terms of negotiations with Officers etc but just in terms of the background, planning history, what I think is likely to have gone on etc.

Adam Beamish ● 6118d

Mrs Cain,I hope the Keens will move back as soon as they can.Ann Keen has always believed that it is good for an MP to live locally. This is why she chose to move to Brentford (from Spelthorne) so she could reside in the very heart of the constituency she aspired to represent.When Ann first contested the seat in 1987, she lost. She lost again in 1992. But she did not try for a safer seat - she kept on fighting the same seat until she eventually won (in 1997). That, in my opinion, shows at least some commitment. If she loses next year, she will not seek re-election anywhere else.Her Tory opponent, sadly, lacks any commitment. She tried repesenting three other seats before this one.

Robin Taylor ● 6118d

Thank you for your comments regarding Mr. & Mrs. Keens house in Latewood road.  I am pleased this has stirred up good conversation regarding am empty house.  As for the squatters, I totally agree what they did was unjustified, but did this solve the problem  no!!  What I would like to know is when the Keens are looking to move back into their main home in Brentford... or has everybody conveniently forgotten the expense scandel of recent months.

Mrs. Sue Cain ● 6118d

Quite right, Vanessa. What I don't understand about the comments from Mrs Sue Cain is this: surely Ann Keen's house was much more of an eyesore when the squatters moved in (and unfurled a huge banner containing the lie that Ann's house was paid for out of people's taxes - when she in fact bought it herself ten years before entering Parliament).Surely what the squatters did was the true abuse of the area's conservation status?

Robin Taylor ● 6118d

With respect, none of us knows any details about what has gone on, plans quite often are subject to change even after permission has been granted, and remember there are changes to planning rules and 'permitted development' that have happened, this may well affect things in a conservation area. All of this is really speculation, I would think with the regulations the person who would be up to date would be Adam Beamish, if he sees this he might be able to shed some light on the generalities.

Vanessa Smith ● 6118d

On 29 June I posted on the Keens house to be rented to council tenants thread, that I had heard months previous that work on their house had been halted as a result of some planning breach, possibly in respect of their loft conversion, rather than a dispute with their builders.On 1 July Vanessa responded by saying "don't you think the wolf-pack on this Forum wouldn't have broadcast this to the entire universe? It makes my head spin to think of the speed with which they'd have jumped on this lovely morsel of scnadal were it true"It seems to me I may have been correct but the wolves appear to still be at bay.

Bernadette Paul ● 6118d

Thank you for your input, unfortunately I do have have to stand on tip-toe from my kitchen window see the blot on the otherwise clean landscape of roofs, a lot may I add have duplex windows in the roof areas, so I assume those law abiding residents went through the right channels and have planning permission granted.

Mrs. Sue Cain ● 6119d

My understanding is that the local Planning authority is supposed to consult adjoining occupiers when an application has been received, they are also reponsible for making any plans available not the applicant. Planning policy guidelines do change quite often and may well have affected what has happened here, who knows? Perhaps you should address your questions to the right people.

Vanessa Smith ● 6119d

You're quite right Mrs Cain, that property lies within the St Paul's Conservation Area.  I walk those street fairly regularly ..Grosvenor, Lateward, Brook Road South, Clifden, Hamilton, and Windmill Road South..and I can't think of one house that looked an eyesore for the past 10 months ...except 38 Brook Road South.It looked unkempt, with overgrown hedges...and for some time in Sept/ October 2008 an unlit skip being an obstacle on the corner of Lateward.  With the "Expenses" query raging for some 4 years on this forum..unanswered too..it's no wonder that someone like me..taking pictures of eyesores whenever I see them...should hold the camera high above my head..and on tiptoe..to record the view of the back garden over the side gates.  What a shock when I saw the images!So, those premises stood out like a sore thumb. At least the hedges could have been trimmed! My friend at Southall Hege-Cutting services could have dealt with that to forestall the National exposure what happened afterwards.

Jim Lawes ● 6119d

I am sorry to hear about Ann Keens bereavement, as I know myself having lost a younger sister a few years ago,I know the sense of loss, but unfortunately this saga with the house and the loft conversion has been going on for at least 18 months, and as far as I am aware they have not lived in this house in that time. As both are MPs they should have been aware of planning arrangements in a conversation area, where at least as far as I know when work has been carried out in my street planning application has been put up on the outside of the house to enable local residents to have any objections raised.  Other houses in latewood/brook road south would, I presume have to go through the same process.  Plans would have been drawn up and made available to the public - was this done? and if so, why was this loft window allowed to be put up in the first place.

Mrs. Sue Cain ● 6119d

I am sorry to hear about her bereavement, that is no age to lose somebody.

Phil Andrews ● 6120d

I have heard on the grapevine that talks are ongoing re the loft with planning officers at LBH but there is other work due to start this week. Added to that Ann has suffered a family bereavement just a few days ago, her younger brother, so I suspect other things have taken priority. Anyone who has ever dealt with building works will know how fraught the whole business can be. So far from ignoring planning legislation and treating people with 'contempt', it seems that Ann & Alan are going through the proper channels, which of course takes time. None of this of course bears any relation to any support the local CLP have given.

Vanessa Smith ● 6121d