Controversial Quintin Boat Club Redevelopment Plan Set For Green Light

Local residents say it will mean traffic congestion on weekends

Artist's impression of development

Plans for a major redevelopment of the Quintin Hogg sporting facilities in Grove Park looks set to get the go-ahead, despite local objections. The application has been referred to Hounslow Council Planning Committee with a recommendation that it should be accepted.

The Trust wants to erect two two-storey sport pavilions, a 3G pitch with dual use, a junior 3G pitch with a running track, and build an access road into the site.

They also plan refurbishment of the boathouse, gym and boat shed including demolition of part, and erection of two-storey extension to the boat house.

The Trust wants the site, which has been the home club for Westminster University rowing club, to provide a first class facility for the wider community through partnerships with local schools, and clubs. Rugby club Roslyn Park is believed to be interested in using the grounds.

However, residents living close to the Thames in Grove Park say they are concerned that the ambitious plans could increase the weekend parking congestion already causing problems for locals. Forty objections have been received to the application. If a rugby club agrees to hold its training and events there it could bring over 500 people into the area on Sunday mornings, they say.

The residents, who said they initially supported the club's proposals, now say the plans have intensified to include seven day a week use, including use by schools and possibly Rosslyn Park rugby club. (see image below of one Sunday's traffic flow).

Opposite the site is Quintin Hogg Memorial Ground which houses a Health Club, nursery and University of Westminster Sports Ground, which comprises cricket, hockey and football pitches.

Local residents have made formal objections on a number of grounds :
- the scale of the proposed buildings
- the noise , floodlights and visual impacts of the intensity of use
- Traffic and parking impacts

However council planning officials have recommended that the project should be allowed and say in their report:

"It has been demonstrated, on balance, that the harm to the openness of the Metropolitan Open Land caused by the presence of the structures would be outweighed by the community benefits of the scheme. Furthermore, the design, scale and position of the buildings and floodlights would ensure that there would not be any harm to neighbours or the Conservation Area. The applicant has demonstrated that there would be no unacceptable transport impact as a result of the proposal."

The Quintin Hogg Trust plans for the site can be read here..

The club has undertaken a noise survey and a transport survey which says that the proposed development will create an independent access road, with a minimum distance to the nearest
residential façade of approximately 54m. A new car park with 44 parking places (plus 56 parking places in an adjacent overflow area) and three parking places for buses is also being proposed

Their Transport Survey says that the proposal could be developed with no severe traffic impact on the local road network and it has been undertaken in accordance with Department for Transport Guidance.

August 4, 2019