Ruth Cadbury writes to Hounslow Council leader asking for amended designs

Building planned for current Watermans Site

Ruth Cadbury MP for Brentford and Isleworth has written a letter to Steve Curran the leader of Hounslow Council in which she describes the planned development of the Watermans/Max Factor site as ‘poor quality’ and ‘inappropriate.’

Saying that although she wouldn’t normally comment on development proposals and planning applications, after seeing the exhibition of the plans and hearing the concerns of her constituents, she was prompted to write the letter.

Recognising the need to move the arts centre from its current location and the failure of the previous design to make the most of the site, she welcomed the proposals for a new arts centre on the police station site.

In her letter she states, “From the simple plans provided at the exhibition, it appears to have sufficient, and flexible, space for the needs of all the community for the 21st century and has a good street-frontage. The residential element of that site seems to be a good design and appropriate for its setting.”

However, she adds that she shares the concerns of constituents who have written to her about the proposals for the Watermans/Max Factor site stating “The design is of poor quality and is inappropriate for such a prominent site on the river. I also understand it will have a significant impact on the outlook of the residents of Lighterage Court.”

Replacement Arts Centre on Half Acre

She asks in the letter that Hounslow Council, as one of the two key partners in the dual-site proposal, require London Green to come back with a better, more appropriate design for the riverside site. In addition she requests reassurance that there will be a mix of affordable housing provided as part of these redevelopment proposals.

The expectation is that at planning application will be submitted this winter which will go to planning committee in Spring, with the new Watermans completed by winter 2019.

December 10, 2016