Heathfield Terrace Drill Hall Plan Set for Approval
Planners dismiss concerns of objectors about changes to listed building
The Drill Hall is next to Turnham Green
May 2, 2024
A plan for changes to a historic building in the centre of Chiswick look poised to get the go ahead.
An application (P/2023/2880) was submitted last year to bring the Drill Hall on Heathfield Terrace brought back into use.
The nineteenth century building is in front of a former warehouse and is sometimes known as the Independiente building due to the name of the record company that used to occupy it still being on the front.
The building which was constructed around 1892 is locally listed and is in the Turnham Green Conservation Area. The single storey interior comprises a double-height hall space with vaulting.
The site south of Turnham Green has been vacant for several years after iburbia Studios went out of business. The proposal is to expand and renovate it for use as office space for start-ups in creative industries.
Sergison Bates Architects has designed the changes on behalf of Exelenz Ltd which would see a basement extension added and the roof raised slightly with the rooflights removed along with a tree in front of the property. The redesign of the façade will include a new ‘The Drill Hall’ sign above the front entrance.
Seven people objected to the proposal on the grounds of harm to a listed building, loss of outlook, view and light and the removal of the tree.
Hounslow Council planners concluded that the removal of the rooflights compensated for the extra height proposed for the building and that the tree slated for removal was showing signs of decay. Consequently, they will be presenting a report to councillors when the application is considered at a future planning meeting that will recommend approval.
The Drill Hall was originally a headquarters for the 1st Middlesex Rifle Volunteer Corps and was designed for military drills and exercises. In the early 20th century, it was used by a variety of military units, including the Territorial Army and the Home Guard as well as other community events, such as dances and concerts.
A picture of the interior of the building from documents submitted with the application
During World War II, it was used as a storage facility for the Royal Air Force and subsequently by Chiswick Polytechnic and the Chiswick Arts Centre. In the 1980s it fell into disuse, but a campaign was launched to save it and it was restored in the early nineties when it was acquired by Independiente who sound proofed it for use as a recording studio.
A picture of the interior of the building from documents submitted with the application
Planning permission was granted in 2018 for a similar plan at the site but it was not taken forward due to the impact of the pandemic.
Hounslow Council’s planning website is not available for searching or commenting on applications between 3 and 15 May.
Consultations and review timescales are being extended by up to 2 weeks to accommodate the transition.
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