Revised Plan to Demolish Hanwell Arts and Crafts House |
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Original application resulted in 163 objections
A revised plan has been submitted to demolish a historically significant house in Hanwell and build six flats and two semi-detached properties on the site. The 1912 Arts & Crafts house at 178 Church Road, Hanwell would be replaced with what objectors describe as pastiche style housing that would greatly devalue the Hanwell Village Green conservation area and will consume 80 per cent of the long, narrow plot. It will also require the removal of 26 mature trees, hedges, shrubs and greenery in a garden that was well-maintained by a single owner for over 50 years. A previous application to redevelop the site was made earlier this year and resulted in 163 objections on the grounds of the design, scale and density of the proposed replacement housing as well as the loss of a heritage asset which is described as a ‘key unlisted building’ and a missing link, between two, distinct styles; the Art & Crafts period from 1880 up to WWI, whilst anticipating the later 1920s-30s. Local resident, Jeanette Grose, commented, “We have a duty to protect and enhance our community by cherishing our historic housing and gardens. Trees are also vital for cleaning the air and flood prevention, which Ealing Council highlights in its new climate emergency strategy The Council is currently appraising its conservation areas and this planning application goes against the objective of preservation and to prevent the loss of front and back gardens.” Objectors also have support from James Murray, MP for Ealing North as well as Ealing Civic Society, the Victorian Society, Hanwell Community Forum, conservation area resident associations, the Brent River & Canal Society and Hanwell and Canals Conservation Areas Advisory Panel. Ealing Civic Society commented, “We consider that the ‘positive contributor’ status of the building should be upgraded to local listing as a minimum and we ask that the Council take immediate steps to protect the house in this way.” Comments on the proposal can be made up until 16 September by searching for reference 201141FUL on the Council planning website https://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/.
August 13, 2020 |