Bid to Salvage Watermans Arts Centre Planning Permission
Confirmation sought that original approval still valid
Demolition of single storey motor room claimed to be evidence that work has commenced. Picture: Google Streetview
May 30, 2024
An application (P/2024/1439) has been made to Hounslow Council for a Lawful Development Certificate for the site of the proposed Watermans Arts Centre.
It is understood that this is an attempt to ensure the original planning permission for the scheme at the former Brentford Police station at 36 Half Acre does not lapse.
The developer LGL has been in extended discussions with the council and has expressed reservations about the viability of the scheme in its current form and no significant construction activity has occurred at the site.
Planning permission was due to expire in April, four years after the original grant and the application by planning consultancy DP9 Limited seeks confirmation that the demolition of a single storey motor room building at the north west corner of the site will be considered as sufficient proof that work has commenced. It describes this as Phase 1 of a project to be followed by Phase 2 which would be the demolition of the remaining structures and construction of the flats and arts centre.
The application will be considered by borough planning officers and documents submitted state that pre-application discussions about the matter took place last October.
If officers decide to refuse the application, this will mean that any project for a new Watermans would have to go through the planning process again meaning an additional delay of several years.
It is not clear if the grant of the Certificate of Lawful Development for the Half Acre site will also confirm the approval for demolition of the current Watermans Arts Centre and the building of the Albany Riverside housing scheme.
We have contacted DP9 Limited for comment but have not received a response.
Hounslow Council has invited submissions for a ‘meanwhile use’ of original Watermans site and at least two local groups have made Expressions of Interest. It is believed that the centre cannot be brought back into use until the expiry of the current lease in September and the completion of a structural survey to confirm it is still safe for use.
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