Calls for Council to ditch scheme at the Promenade
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Dukes Meadows Trust has handed in a petition of 1400 signatures calling on Hounslow Council to abandon its plans for parking and coach turning in the recreational area known as The Promenade.
The Trust and Hounslow Council have clashed over the council's proposal, part of the Council's Masterplan for development of the amenity, with Hounslow Council leader Steve Curran saying he is 'puzzled' by the action being taken by the Trust. He says it was not raised in the two public consultations carried out.
The Trust's petition requests that the Council abandon its proposal to develop car park areas and motor-coach turning circles at the Promenade open space. They say that if carried out these works will "spoil the unique character and quality of our riverside public open space, riverbank, and associated nature areas."
Kathleen Healy M.B.E. spokesperson for Dukes Meadows Trust said: “The petitions organised by our charity have received the most tremendous support from local people and concerned organisations. So many local people have told me how shocked, distressed, and justly angry they are about this damaging and destructive scheme which would spoil our riverside public open space at Duke’s Meadows.
"The messages and comments received from local people in support of the Dukes Meadows Trust, are a moving and inspiring indication of how passionately people feel about stopping Hounslow from spoiling our cherished riverside open space. We can only hope that Hounslow are prepared to listen to what local people want."
The area due to fenced and hard surfaced - image DM Trust
The leader of Hounslow Council, Cllr Steve Curran said; “The parking scheme is part of the Dukes Meadows masterplan and detailed proposals had planning consent going back to February 2018. Two major consultations took place during a two year period which helped shape the proposal that went to the planning committee. There have been a number of opportunities for all residents and users to be involved and the Dukes Meadows Trust has been engaged from the beginning of the process and participated in additional consultation meetings."
What area could look like after parking is introduced - Image: Dukes Meadows Trust
The Masterplan for the 137 acre amenity area involves upgrading a range of sports and leisure facilities on the site including, rugby, hockey, football, rowing, cricket, tennis and golf. The wider plans include improvements to the Dukes Meadows Bandstand and a pedestrian walkway built across the river to Barnes.
The Council has secured over £2.2 million for improved sporting facilities and £1m for the development of the pedestrian bridge. Improvements to the public realm, repairs to the bandstand, the Thames path, and fences are also underway.
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October 18, 2019
