Broadcaster's controversial plan for two-storey comes before Planning Committee

A plan by broadcaster Jamie Theakston to build a two-storey house in the back garden of his Barrowgate Road home will be finally decided upon this week.

The controversial application, which is recommended for approval by Hounslow Council planners, will come before the Planning Committee on Tuesday.

Locals who complained about the application said if the house was built, it would harm the character of the Conservation area. Chiswick councillor, Peter Thompson had 'called in' the application at Chiswick Area Forum for further discussion,following local concerns.

The building at the bottom of his large garden was formerly a coach house which was originally the home of Queen Victoria's undertaker, according to locals.

The proposal is for the erection of a new two-storey, four bedroom family home fronting Burlington Gardens, following demolition of the existing ancillary building to the rear of 31 Barrowgate Road.

Ten letters opposed to the application were received by Hounslow Council. Objections lodged include that this is over development/inappropriate backland development, that it will cause parking pressures or congestion, mean the loss of an existing garage/coach house, and will harm the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

The planning application lodged with Hounslow Council is for the erection of a two storey house at 31. Barrowgate Road with habitable rooms within the roof space, with associated parking, cycle and bin storage to the rear.

Council planners acknowledged in their report that a previous application for an outbuilding at the site was refused owing to harm caused to neighbour’s amenity. However they found the current application was significantly different to that pervious scheme in relation to its
position, scale and impact. This application had been assessed on its own merits.

They found that the proposed building would be of an appropriate design that responds to
the Victorian architectural vernacular present in the vicinity of the site and
would continue to preserve the character and appearance of the Wellesley Road Conservation Area.

The report recommended approval of the planning application. Councillors will decide the matter at the Planning Committee meeting.

The television presenter, producer, and actor is best known for hosting Top of the Pops, co-hosting the breakfast show with Emma Bunton on Heart FM and also for narrating the BBC documentary series Traffic Cops and Motorway Cops.

March 3, 2018