June 2024 Report
This post serves to archive the June 2024 planning report. The latest report is on the Planning Page.
In and around Brackenbury:
26-28 Hammersmith Grove (behind 32-62 Hammersmith Grove terrace):
Hotel scheme application was allowed at appeal. Developer has since proposed a revised
scheme of 200 residential flats in four blocks prompting substantial concerns about scale and bulk
and impact on the residential terrace, discussed at inconclusive meetings with the development
team. LBHF have responded to BRA and HGRA request for a meeting with the developer, which took
place on May 24: after lengthy and unproductive discussion pointing out the residents’ concerns
about the scheme, repeating issues raised at previous consultations, the developer and architect
finally acknowledged the possible shortcomings, and agreed to explore alternative approaches to
the scheme. We await their further proposals.
12 Wellesley Avenue (the former Aston Martin garage):
Approved commercial scheme remains unpopular with residents. Developer has proposed an
alternative residential scheme now agreed in principle by the residents: the scheme is a far better fit
for this residential street, but the developer considers the viability is dependent on street parking
permits for each new house. LBHF responded to BRA and local residents’ request for a meeting with
the developer which took place on 1 May. The meeting confirmed to LBHF the residents’ strong
preference for the residential scheme; LBHF acknowledged the significance of this local opinion, and
referred to their pre-app comments which confirmed, we understand, the planning viability of the
residential scheme; LBHF reiterated pre-app advice that the parking facility, tho’ contrary to policy,
could be allowable if agreed by the planning committee.
The developer is now considering the options: with the long and costly planning history of the
project he is reluctant to proceed to planning without reasonable certainty of a positive outcome;
informal chat after the meeting revealed that the commercial scheme was ready to proceed with a
full pre-let, but with covid the tenant was lost and the commercial market has faded.
Flora Gardens School renewal: Lena Gardens school premises are being prepared for use
by Flora Gardens school. Future of the Flora Garden school premises is under review.
The Triangle site: No change: Planning consent for office development proposals was
granted 2.2.18 (2017/02717/FUL) and notional commencement has secured the consent.
Office/hotel development application submitted 30.4.20 still awaits decision.
Grove House 27 Hammersmith Grove – no change to previous report: Planning application
imminent for the proposed conversion to provide 170-bed hotel presented at further public
consultation 29 April. No change to the existing built volume, minor changes to ground floor
frontage, and replacement of inset glazed curtain wall at the rear by external wall with
window openings. Discussions ongoing with HGRA regarding traffic impact.
Further afield:
76-80 Hammersmith Road (western end block of the group of black office buildings on the
corner of Hammersmith Road and Brook Green) – no change to previous report: proposal by
developer MRP to convert and expand the building to provide 420-bed hotel and provision
for life-sciences laboratories. Further consultation due late June and PA shortly afterwards.
From initial details this appears to be a good scheme and welcome replacement of the
lifeless office building.
Hammersmith Bridge: No change to previous report: LBHF informal advice 7/3: planning
application for the Foster temporary bridge scheme due to be submitted at the end of
summer – suggesting a finance route has been agreed based on road toll funding. LBHF
business case proposes funding by means of a toll for non-borough users.
L’Oreal building 255 Hammersmith Road (corner of Hammersmith Road and the Broadway):
No change to previous report: application consultations are taking place for the wholesale
renovation of the building with 2-3 additional storeys at roof level. The structure and general
outward appearance of the existing building would be retained, with modifications to upgrade
the environmental performance of the building to exceed current standards.
King Street & Marks and Spencer – no change to previous report: it is understood a revised
scheme is in preparation, taking into account the emerging LBHF SPD (Supplementary
Planning Document) for the Town Centre.
Ravenscourt Park Hospital: Comments have been submitted on a substantial planning
application for refurbishment and extension of the former hospital for residential use, and
redevelopment of the north block site for part residential and part care-home use.
(2023/03129/FUL): comments are generally favourable except for alterations to Block A
(facing Ravenscourt Park) and ill-fitting proposals for the new block towards Ravenscourt
Square.
190-194 Goldhawk Road: PA in progress to develop the existing, approx 120M deep x12M
frontage light industrial/vehicle storage site to provide an apartment block fronting Goldhawk
Road, and mews development at the rear. Comments submitted to LBHF: elevation to
Goldhawk Road too high and a poor fit in the streetscape, detail problems in the mews
housing at the rear regarding access, privacy and external amenity space.
Avonmore School, Avonmore Road– no change to previous report: Comments submitted on
planning application to redevelop the school site with new school premises and residential
development providing affordable and market accommodation. Concerns have been raised
regarding the commercial development of school land, and the overall bulk of the buildings
proposed. Ref 2023/03051/FR3
LBHF Town Centre SPD (Supplementary Planning Document): consultation on draft
document earlier this year. Comments submitted due to be reported in next planning report.