Forum Topic

Residents, Patrick Clarkson QC and the Goldhawk Industrial Estate

Brackenbury residents and businesses are opposing the overdevelopment plans of London & Newcastle for the Goldhawk Industrial Estate - home to Innocent Drinks, recording studios the Soundhouse, and small instrument maker Analox. The developer plans a cramped mixed-use of offices and residential, compelling tenants to leave, and taking with them 200+ jobs.Tomorrow (Tuesday) we shall know if the planning officer has recommended that the Planning Applications Committee meeting(5 August, 7.00pm at the Town Hall) accepts the developer's proposal. See http://www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory/Council_and_Democracy/Decisions_meetings_and_agendas/Other_Committees/68510_Other_Committees.asp. Click on Planning Applications Committee, then 5 August. Meanwhile, our site on Facebook at Goldhawk Industrial Estate Redevelopment Ha! has visuals and reports.Residents have instructed Patrick Clarkson QC to examine the planning officer's report. We're concerned that the officer will tell the planning committee that, if councillors refuse permission, the Council will lose if the developer appeals. There are plenty of good planning reasons to turn down this application. We are looking for a more robust response. Patrick Clarkson is a top planning lawyer who - acting for the Council - won the Allied Carpets appeal; the Allied site is a few yards down the road from the Goldhawk Industrial Estate.

Rosemary Pettit ● 5745d7 Comments

Alas, I think Nigella is very elevated in Eaton Square these days; when she left she was reported as saying that the Goldhawk Road was not very nice. I wouldn't actually disagree with her, but I live around here and she no longer does (although her sister is still here, but shows no sign of interest). But it's a good idea, Vivienne. If you'd like to be on our Goldhawk emailing list why not send me a message from Facebook?

Rosemary Pettit ● 5741d

AS you are looking to increase your public awareness and support and all seems to depend upon celebrity these days, why not try to engage Nigella Lawson, as she lived for a time on Goldhawk Rd and, it is my understanding, still owns the house near the area in question. Worth a try?

Vivienne James ● 5742d

I joined up and admired the pictures! The development would impose a huge alteration in your entire environment.Access looks inadequate and the density would impact hugely. Keep at it!

Vivienne James ● 5744d

Thanks, Vivienne. Our Facebook site is at Goldhawk Industrial Estate Redevelopment Ha! and it relates the story and shows some great visuals. Do join up.Today we heard that the Environment Agency has objected to the redevelopment because it hasn't received details from London & Newcastle of its Flood Risk Assessment. So the progress of the application to the Planning Applications Committee next week has been postponed.

Rosemary Pettit ● 5744d

Good luck to you. It would be great if residents can prove that their voices can not only be heard but also be acknowledged in the outcome.

Vivienne James ● 5745d

It probably can't.... and we certainly couldn't for anything more extensive than a written assessment of the planning officer's report. After this it has to be up to the Council.Residents - those around the estate - have previously paid for the services of a planning consultant. It probably wasn't necessary as we had enough professional expertise amongst residents as a whole, but at the time it was reassuring to know we were on the right track.This time we've done everything we can - letters of objection, petition, posters, media.... and still the word trickling from the Council is that residents have got some concessions and should be happy with those. We'll know by tomorrow what the planning officer recommends, but rather than wait to be steam-rollered our chartered surveyor member remembered that Patrick Clarkson had won the Allied Carpets appeal.A tenant of the Goldhawk Industrial Estate said he'd underwrite the bill, and residents are pledging contributions. We'll get there.What really generates this confidence is, of course, that we've worked together since last winter on this, and if you do that with a group of people it's amazing - win or lose - what can be done.

Rosemary Pettit ● 5745d

Crikey - how does a residents' associaton afford a QC?

Sara Nathan ● 5745d