Publication from Siân Berry: Letter to Mayor on Homebase & Tesco sites, Osterley, Stage 2 Referral

Dear Sadiq,

Re: Stage 2 referral for 2021/0279/S2 Homebase Ltd, Syon Lane, Isleworth TW7 5QE and 2020/6877/S2 Tesco Superstore, Syon Lane, Isleworth TW7 5NZ

A large number of concerned constituents and Labour councillors from Hounslow have contacted me regarding the approval by Hounslow Council for the following interdependent Planning Applications.

LPA Reference number 00505/H/P19:

“Full planning application for the demolition of existing building and car park and a series of tall buildings that range in height from 4 to 17-storeys to provide 473 residential units, a replacement retail foodstore with additional commercial, business and service space, and a flexible community space, and ancillary plant, access, servicing and car parking, landscaping and associated works.”

LPA Reference number 01106/B/P137:

“Outline planning application with all matters reserved except access for the demolition of existing building and car park and erection of buildings that range in height from 2 to 17-storeys to provide up to 1,677 residential homes, plus up to 5,000 sqm flexible non-residential space comprising commercial, business and service space, and/or learning and non-residential institution space, and/or local community space, and/or public house/drinking establishment, and/or a mobility hub, along with associated access, bus turning, car and cycle parking, and landscaping arrangements.”

They were both approved by Hounslow Council on 8 April 2021 and have been referred to you for Stage 2 approval. From the planning officers’ report to the Hounslow Planning Committee meeting on 8 April 2021, they make it clear that the height and massing of these proposed buildings will cause harm to heritage assets (including the World Heritage Site of Kew Gardens) in the surrounding area, the local environment through over shadowing and adverse effects on neighbours in respect of daylight and sunlight along with increased noise and disruption.[1] Officers maintained that this harm would be outweighed by the benefits of the development.

However, having listened to the wide-ranging concerns raised by local residents and councillors, I am asking you to take over the determination for these applications to ensure you can take on board their reasons for objecting to the proposals in their current format. I strongly urge you to become the local planning authority for the application.

Yours sincerely,

Sian Berry

Green Party Member of the London Assembly