I recently visited the Frendcastle development site (at Hanwell Locks, St. Margaret’s Road) accompanied by members of the Olde Hanwell Residents Association and Carolyn Brown of the Hanwell Community Forum. The purpose of the visit was to review the proposals put forth by Frendscastle to develop the site.

The site, on one side is flanked by the canal, on the other by a residential area and access to it is through Trumpers way. The site is also situated in the middle of the industrial/employment land.

In brief, the proposal is to build 121 units, on three blocks and each block to be between 3 to 6 storeys in height.

Having studied the proposals, I have following concerns:

• it seems the site is likely to be over developed
• parking provisions appear inadequate as well as the entrance to and exit from the site
• the proposed design will certainly be out of character for Old Hanwell
• loss of employment land resulting in the loss of employment opportunities
• inadequate impact analysis with regards to the effect of the development on Education, Social Services and other services
• the area is prone to floods and it appears that this has not been provisioned for
• lack of amenities for children and the community on a whole

In view of the above, I have come to the conclusion that the proposals to develop this site are not acceptable in their current form and therefore I have agreed to oppose this development.

I welcome your thoughts on this. For more information visit the Olde Hanwell Residents Association site here.

Gurcharan