Forum Topic

Walkabout Redevelopment - stop the bulldozers!

Please register your objections to the proposed bulldozering of the Walkabout to be replaced by a 16 story tower block. It really could happen in the Bush.Read about it here - http://www.shepherdsbushw12.com/default.asp?section=info&page=walkabout006.htm and object here - http://public-access.lbhf.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=NKL97YBI04900

Richard Fryer ● 3624d11 Comments

The Hammersmith Society is aiming to register the Walkabout (previously known as the Palladium)as an Asset of Community Value with the Council. To lend your support please email secretary@hammersmithsociety.org.uk.

Rosemary Pettit ● 3540d

Obviously you know planning law much better than I do but the fact it was rejected on the following 2 points, does that not mean it now cannot be demolished.....The proposal would lead to the loss of a locally listed Building of Merit which has historic, architectural and communal value, without satisfactory evidence to show that the building could not be viably retained, or practicably be adapted to retain any historic interest, or that the scheme would provide public benefits to outweigh the harm arising from its loss.The proposal is considered to be unacceptable as it would result in the unjustified loss of an entertainment use in the town centre, contrary to the requirements of Policy DM D2 of the Development Management Local Plan 2013, which seeks to retain cultural and entertainment uses.

Carol Burge ● 3569d

Good news but it could be a classic developer ploy - submit an outrageous set of plans that you expect to be rejected. Then resubmit a marginally amended version which you say 'reflects the view of the community.'

Paul Corcoran ● 3569d

Good to see the demolition of this building has been stopped.....well done H&F

Carol Burge ● 3570d

There seems to be a concerted effort by H&F and developers to bulldoze the whole of Shepherd's Bush and turn it into Richmond. The level of construction work going on in SB (and Hammersmith) is almost bonkers.When you see estate agents, like Orchards and Foxtons move in, you know exactly what that means. Even more unaffordable housing that the average worker could only dream about buying. And there's more to come with the plans for the market by developers who effectively shafted the stallholders.

Terry Abrahams ● 3582d

Richard, can I have the planning app number please, as your link doesn't seem to work, thank you.

Angela White ● 3601d

Agree about this particular building being historical to this part of West London.    Its replacement is ugly and out-of-keeping with the area.  Councils cannot cope with the amount of development/planning applications and are being led by the developers themselves, not the needs of the area.  The Planning Officers often move about from Council to Council with little personal investment in the area.  More to the point, our Councils offer developers pre-planning advice, which the developers pay handsomely for, to steer them on what can and won't "pass" at Planning Committee level.  If they're lucky, no-one notices or objects.  We need to all join forces on this.  That pre-planning advice is not available to residents - it's "private and confidential"!  I want to ask, why isn't a similar service available to residents or residents' associations?  Keep on.  Don't let them get away with it.  We're fighting the proposal in Acton regarding Friary Park, as Andy says.  We let this go ahead and we'll be swamped with them.  It's not just your the Walkabout that's at stake here....it's the advent of more monster towers (you have a few, horrid ones in the Bush already).  Get legal and planning advice.  Put pressure on the Council.  They don't have the resources to deal with it.  Good luck.

Angela White ● 3601d

Totally agree, this building is part of the history of Shepherds Bush and must be preserved.  I do not understand what it is with the Council who seem intent on wiping out any building that is mentioned in the history books of Shepherds Bush and Hammersmith.  Obviously these old buildings need to be renovated but at least be sympathetic to the surrounding areas and retain as much of the original structure as possible

Carol Burge ● 3610d

The Walkabout building is a unique building of great character, an early cinema. The side wall has seat prices etched intoit.It is one of three former entertainment venues on thatside of the green, in completely different styles of architecture.Its recent use as a pub with sometimes badly-behaved customers is irrelevant to its status as an iconic landmark, regarded with affection by many local residentsincluding myself and my family.The developers could incorporate it into a building thatwould harmonise with Shepherds Bush Green. Guests to thehotel would very likely appreciate its history, unlike thephilistine developers.

Suzanna Harris ● 3611d

There might be possible grounds for a 'right to light' objection from residents of roads like Pennard Road which are behind the development.

Paul Corcoran ● 3618d

On what grounds are you suggesting people object?This is hardly an area of natural beauty, the building itself is unattractive and a poor use of the plot so will almost certainly go at some point, the height, whilst unwelcome is trifling compared to other projects nearby and some new homes are being created as well as more hotel rooms which will be a much needed boost to local businesses.Of the developments going up nearby in Park Royal, Friary Park and White City this seems, on the face of it to be the least objectionable.

Andy Jones ● 3623d