Forum Topic

The Old Police Station: Ideal location for a Retirement Home?

I think  the redundant building is ugly... and not worthy of it's  key position on Chiswick High Road...close to places of revellery.Notices to rip down the butterflies.. might be just the beginning of  unsuitable incomers interests and tastes.And where will the garden be?As somwone has said before on the Forum,the active jolly line of retail establishments needs to be extended and enhanced.

Jim Lawes ● 1503d91 Comments

I disagree, more retail, which in Chiswick probably means more hairdressers, grooming, nail bar,fast/slow food and the like, is not essential and may take years to find tenants. Look at the Norman's Garage site in Kings Street. An elegant residential development marred by years of boarded up retail.What is essential is the elevation of the new building is in sympathy with its surroundings.I agree the location is ideal but hopefully the developers will realise that a good looking well thought out end product will benefit their bottom line.The bad news is their track record doesn't inspire me with much confidence. We can only hope that the Planning Committee realise the importance of getting this right.

Adrian Irving ● 1503d

With respect, Adrian, plopping residential in the middle of the High Road - dead center at that so key commercial real estate - is a mistake. It should be zoned commercial on the ground floor with residential above.Someone was explaining to me the difference between the Norman Garage site and pre-existing space now vacant. Apparently new builds somehow avoid the same regulations meant to trigger a new lease in pre-existing space. That is not a function of the building design. That is a sign of failing bureaucracy. A bureaucracy that should be doing anything and everything to support the High Street and foster business success. It does nothing of the sort.Given its significant position, perhaps the ground floor could be used as a Chiswick Hub. Something you read about with regard to revitalizing high streets but never see. For example, local deliveries could be made there and people could collect them and stop for a meal/coffee. Conversely, it could then be used as a central location for last mile deliveries. Your thinking is a bit outdated Adrian and, again, I say that with respect. The new high street model needs to be nudged forward and this location is perfectly situated to do just that. A missed opportunity if it does not.

David Lesniak ● 1503d

I think it would be hard to let retail space at this location. Except on market days, footfall appears to be down on this part of the High Road as it is now more difficult to cross the road due to the Cycleway. This will only become more apparent when a hard barrier is put in place next month.Previous coverage of the retirement home has mentioned that the ground floor units could be converted into some sort of community space. A theatre would be the ideal but some ill-considered plan like the Digital Dock on Brentford High Street should be avoided.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1503d

"... it is now more difficult to cross the road due to the Cycleway. This will only become more apparent when a hard barrier is put in place next month."Hard barrier?  Where?

Richard Jennings ● 1503d

I was told by a local councillor that the plastic wands on the cycleway are to be replaced by a fixed concrete barrier this September as part of the next phase of the upgrade.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1503d

I think your councillor has been misinformed. The detailed plans are at https://democraticservices.hounslow.gov.uk/documents/s170162/Appendix%20B%20-%20Proposed%20Design.pdfThey do not include any sort of barrier.  Where the cycleway is being separated from the main carriageway, as has been done in places east of Chiswick Lane, there is at worst a shallow kerb between them, not a barrier.

Richard Jennings ● 1503d

In definition terms that is a barrier so maybe that is where the term is being used. A curb to be used as a barrier to seperate. You can even have inflatable barriers which is what is used in motor sport known as armco barriers in F1

Julian Pavey ● 1503d

David, firstly I can say with certainty the very last thing retired people want is any type of food outlet under their home.Maybe I am "outdated" but I would argue that the future of High Streets is not wall to wall retail/hospitality but a controlled integration of residential and commercial.As to the hub idea,well maybe it has legs however when I googled to ask where the nearest one was it turned out to be Cardiff.

Adrian Irving ● 1503d

"Maybe I am "outdated" but I would argue that the future of High Streets is not wall to wall retail/hospitality but a controlled integration of residential and commercial."I agree. If you look at many of the shop fronts they've been tacked onto what was built as residential. It would be nice to see the High Road with the same sort of mixture you see on market town high streets

Will Watson ● 1503d

Spot on Will.Chiswick High Road is a classic example of tacked on shop fonts to what were lovely period homes.If to study old maps and engravings of Chiswick you will see how it was before wall to wall business business, business.I am not saying we should step back to the 18th/19th century  but a lot of the tacked on shops have had their day, swamped by on line.Now we should think again with a clear vison of the future rather than cling on to the status quo of shops,shops shops.

Adrian Irving ● 1503d

"You can even have inflatable barriers which is what is used in motor sport known as armco barriers in F1"Armco barriers are very solid pieces of metal; they are certainly not inflatables.

Richard Greenhough ● 1503d

"Armco barriers are very solid pieces of metal; they are certainly not inflatables" Ah yes,you are correct,you do get imflatable barriers which i think are used in speed way on the bends but my point is barriers can be anything if they are intended to separate, stop or pretect something.

Julian Pavey ● 1502d

So Adrian and Will, am I to believe you'd be okay with your bedroom window being adjacent to the Nando's at ground level with the pubs mere yards away?

David Lesniak ● 1502d

A barrier needn't be literally a fence, Richard. The so-called shallow curb is at level with a bump in some locations and a proper 6" drop at others. Either way, the prospect of going up, down all around to get to the other side is off-putting to many which I think is what Jeremy was getting at.

David Lesniak ● 1502d

David your point is well taken and that is precisely why hospitality would not welcome as part of the development.The ground floor area next to Nandos may well be the main point of entry with lift shafts etc. I very much doubt it will a bedroom.Anyway my main point stands and I am sure we can agree we don't want another ugly block to replace the existing ugly building.

Adrian Irving ● 1502d

If you look at the picture below you can see it is not impossible to integrate residential with retail outlets on a high street - this is Berkhamsted.It may not be to everyone's taste but that's true of all housing.

Will Watson ● 1502d

That's correct. The barrier, as described to me, would be a low one but we will switch from a permeable system with wands to semi-permeable one which will discourage more people from crossing away from designated places. Probably good news from a safety perspective but less so for footfall on the southside.With regard to whether or not there should be a retail component on the ground floor of the police station development, I would imagine existing retailers would be quite keen because more shops would mean more people on that side of the road. There is of course the risk that you get more businesses like Chipotle and Five Guys which are really just catering to the delivery market and don't bring shoppers over to that side of the street.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1502d

"I would imagine existing retailers would be quite keen because more shops would mean more people on that side of the road."Conversely, more retired people equals more customers and fewer shops means less competition.Anyway what will be will be.

Adrian Irving ● 1502d

"The barrier, as described to me, would be a low one but we will switch from a permeable system with wands to semi-permeable one which will discourage more people from crossing away from designated places."The wands have been largely removed from the Chiswick Lane to Goldhawk Road section, but the published plans show the wands retained between Heathfield Terrace and Chiswick Lane.  Which councillor told you that the wands would be replaced by a "concrete barrier"?

Richard Jennings ● 1502d

Richard, let me check with them that I haven't misinterpreted what I was told. Or, as they read this forum, they may choose to confirm either way themselves.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1502d

It looks very quiet.

Janice Evans ● 1502d

Adrian, my point is the ground floor is not suitable for residential use. Not in a High Street setting. It doesn't have to be hospitality though it could be. It should be something that drives foot traffic. It could be indoor cycle parking (for a small fee). But it can't be someone's living room nor bedroom. As for Will's market town example, that is a setting in the suburbs outside the city limit. The scale of it doesn't even exist in Chiswick. With the surrounding areas, and at long last Chiswick, developing there will be more residents and increased density so the current commercial stock will not be sufficient. Once Bollo Lane is complete there is a direct pipeline to the High Road. Add to that, a new-build commercial space would command top price. The out-dated commercial stock ain't all that, I can assure you.Your point about aesthetics makes me think in the past several years I read how Los Angeles finally changed its building code. For some reason, they were only allowing flat top buildings. People became tired of the boring skyline and realized the benefit of more inspiring designs on their quality of life. Yet all we see on the London horizon is one ugly flat-top building after another. Brentford? Hammersmith? Hayes? White City where they grow like weeds???Ealing has that one-sloped building. But look around when you're on the M4 next. All you see popping up is the same damn thing.

David Lesniak ● 1502d

The style of the old Police Station building, as it stands, is incompatible generally speaking I think, with the buildings nearby.It was once the site of the old Firestation before the move to Heathfield Gardens!(The original Firestation became the Electricity Board.. before it's change of use to Licensed Premises.) Musical chairs indeed.Where will the aged folk (with their Blue Badges) park their cars?Their first steps outside their home would possibly be across two busy cycle lanes...before the busy High Road.The Victorians and Edwardians left us some wonderful  buildings. Why do we litter our town with eyesores?

Jim Lawes ● 1502d

Google Maps Satellite view shows just how big the footprint of this building location is. Plenty of room for car parking although I don't know the overall plan for the site.

Michael Robinson ● 1502d

Can't comment about Brentford, Hammersmith, Hayes etc. but plenty of non-flat topped different looking buildings built in the last 5 years alongside the elevated section of the Westway going from the Western Roundabout towards Marylebone.

Andrew Jones ● 1502d

Great post Michael. Yes parking galore!

Jim Lawes ● 1502d

" Your point about aesthetics makes me think in the past several years I read how Los Angeles finally changed its building code. For some reason, they were only allowing flat top buildings " The reason being presumably, that a flat roof offers outdoor space high above street level in a city with the highest level of pollution in the US and which only gets around 14 inches of rain per year on average. In addition a flat roof possibly offers helicopter access in the event of a fire etc.
michael adams

Michael Adams ● 1502d

Andrew, I'd suggest you take a closer look at those buildings you mention along the Westway. I sit in that traffic six times a week and luckily had that construction to watch to help pass the time. They are flat. Some have staggered sections with varying heights, some have facades at angles but nary a spire or slope in sight. Look north toward Park Royal. Flat. As pancakes. Michael Adams is correct about the helipads in that they were relied upon more heavily for emergency evacuation. By implementing regulations for internal routes and systems, architects and engineers can avoid a flat roof."After decades of drab, flat-roof designs, the skyscrapers of tomorrow will be bold, unique and imaginative" said a Councillor who was involved in the initiative.

David Lesniak ● 1501d

I'll have a look tonight David ... there is an interesting looking building that looks like it might have some Feng Shui involved in its design near paddington, and another one nearby that is all latticed on the exterior, and the tall Imperial College building near the Western Roundabout north of Shepherds Bush.

Andrew Jones ● 1501d

David, over the years I have been involved in literally hundreds of residential developments in all sorts of locations some of which had, on the face of it,  location issues including pavement frontage.Whilst I agree living rooms etc slap bang next to the passing public is not ideal there are many ways this can be mitigated.Anyway this is a red herring, getting back to my main point which is I think a fresh approach of carefully integrating residential with commercial is the way ahead.You may not agree and you're not alone as I am sure many think the status quo will be fine. I don't, that's all.

Adrian Irving ● 1501d

" I sit in that traffic six times a week and luckily had that construction to watch to help pass the time. They are flat. " And at a guess mostly, or exclusively residential ? Whereas, as a broad generlisation most prestige and distinctive buildings were and are commissioned for commercial use, where the choice of architect reflects well on the taste of the client who originally commissioned and paid for the building. They're statements. As per Homebase, GSK, Audi and Mercedes on the GWR along with those who went before.
Howver because peoples tastes differ at every income level most likely developers of residential property simply wont take the chance of putting up distinctive buildings at extra cost which might well alienate prospective buyers,  Nowadays especially when money is tight. To judge from Acton Gardens (sic) — which like all these developements are sold on the basis of pictures of Ikea furnished rooms — the theme is drab uniformity enlightened in places by some sub-Keble brickwork veneer 

michael adams






 

Michael Adams ● 1501d

Indeed, Michael, residential.Regarding the buildings Andrew refers to, they are either commercial or with Imperial which started another one north of the angular terra cotta-clad one. Already the new Imperial one looks intriguing. With the new residential builds, there is nothing to catch the eye. Unless you like red versus brown versus beige brick.

David Lesniak ● 1501d

Michael, how right you are regarding most developers sticking to what they know  most conservative minded buyers want.I can think of a few disasters where an architect has got their way and has designed a "statement" building, to reflect an inflated ego, in quite the wrong setting.Buyers have hated them. The stand out example is a green monstrosity the Windsor side of Eton Bridge.I had been acting for Eton College on a major development by  Eton bankside. Most sensibly they built with a traditional design resulting in a huge susess.The London based developer  came to me on the back of the Eton job. I told them over and over they were making a huge mistake building  with a fake green copper elevation that was their idea of been "on trend".Needless to say it bombed so badly they were forced to rent most of the units out as buyers couldn't be found.BTW. I was fired by the developers on the basis of my poor advice and lack of sales! What a relief!

Adrian Irving ● 1501d

Adrial Irving Explained quote:
" I can think of a few disasters where an architect has got their way and has designed a "statement" building, to reflect an inflated ego, in quite the wrong setting.Buyers have hated them.

The stand out example is a green monstrosity the Windsor side of Eton Bridge." unquote
Indeed
© 2022 Google
" A startling new take on the Industrial/Shed Aesthetic". You might have imagined having Windsor Castle as a backdrop, might have provided a bit of a clue as to its suitability.  The overhang and metal cladding are charactersitic of many dockside warehouses as in Brentford Docks and you can't help thinking this was originally commisioned for a docklands location but tne deal fell through. People with more knowledge than myself might be able to explain how a building so out of keeping with its surroundings ever obtained planning permssion in the first place, in what presumably is a Conservation Area of some kind
michael adams

Michael Adams ● 1500d

In some areas, being in a Conservation Area would require a new build be done to the letter of the original means and methods. Cloning, in a way. If the scheme isn't doing that, then it goes the opposite way. Think of the numerous times you've seen a facade left hanging on steelworks while the building behind it is demolished and a new structure completely different to it rises up and connects again to the spared facade.Locally, look at the example at the corner of Netheravon where Arrow Electrical is. It's better than some, but it is what would be called pastiche - a big no no in curated Conservation Areas. In particular, a proper job would never have allowed for the mechanical units to be seen on the exterior as they are with the Arrow building. Bedford Park curates properly, however irritating. The Chiswick High Road Conservation Area, on the other hand, is a complete joke but one that apparently needs more government money thrown at it to re-determine it is the Conservation Area it already is.

David Lesniak ● 1500d

" Locally, look at the example at the corner of Netheravon where Arrow Electrical is. It's better than some, but it is what would be called pastiche - a big no no in curated Conservation Areas."

Funnily enough the mansion flats on the other corner of Netheravon are typical of the Victorian blocks you see alongside the river at various location, next to Hammersmith Bridge, Putney etc etc; and that "traditional" form seems to reflected in the new-build further along to which Adrian Irving
may have been referring. A quick Google street view shows all the surrounding streets to be in sympathetic brick with the green building sticking out like a sore thumb in the background. Given its high visibily from acros the river its simply astonishing  that in that location such a bulding should have been given planning permission on aestheic grounds in  regardless of any conservation area status. As to Bedford Park, the ultiimate pastiche, according to contemporary paintings in most cases the white fences only came later, so I believe
michael adams

Michael Adams ● 1500d

David the pastiche on the corner of Netheravon was not the developers choice.I forget the reason they had to scrap their plan although I think it may have been down to the local authority.Anyway, as you say, the original construction lacked quality but, to be fair, has matured with age.The green monstrosity caused a lot of anger from the locals but I seem to remember was awarded something by some architectural body who clearly had their heads stuck a long way up their rear ends.

Adrian Irving ● 1500d

Thinking about the Netheravon site I now dimly recall the developers wanted to keep the fascia and convert the interior but their were big structural problems so it had to demolished and rebuilt.I also seem to remember the culverted course of the Stamford Brook was damaged which flooded the basements of nearby homes.

Adrian Irving ● 1500d

Apparently it was the Planning Inspector wot dun it; after it was called in, against whose decision there was and is no appeal. And in a Conservation Area as well https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/theroyalwindsorforum/the-ugly-green-giant-at-windsor-quay-thames-side-t1395.html From the developers' bumph as quoted
" Royal Windsor Quay’s bold palette of red brick and pre-oxidised green copper pays homage to a number of traditional buildings within the town without compromising on a unique style. The result is high quality contemporary architecture which looks to the future without jarring against the local vernacular." To repeat "Pays homage to a number of traditional buildings..without jarring against the local vernacular"
michael adams

Michael Adams ● 1499d

What do you think?Without a clear idea of the finish to the elevation it's hard to judge but not terrible but certainly not great.PS.Wot? No cycle lane illustrated? Does the artist know something we don't?😂

Adrian Irving ● 1385d

Loving that picture.  All that parking and no cycle lane.  When was that produced?  Of course plans afoot to remove the parking are fairly new, or at least only coming out now.  This should be interesting.

Maggie Dodge ● 1385d

And much higher than the original.

Basil Finnis ● 1385d

All buildings these days seem to go higher than most would like.  As with everything we have no say

Maggie Dodge ● 1385d

The current building is an eyesore.  It would be nice to think that the replacement would be an improvement but based on the Artist's impression on the front page IMO the architects have put absolutely no effort into making a good looking building.  The again it is pretty obvious that the Hounslow planning dept have a policy to ensure nothing good looking is built in Chiswick (and if they approve knocking down good looking Victorian or early Edwardian buildings they probably get bonus points)I think the idea of residential on the high street is fine, but I do worry whether the wine bar close by will end up being hit by noise abatement orders from older residents of the new block.

Justin Stephenson ● 1385d

"it is pretty obvious that the Hounslow planning dept have a policy to ensure nothing good looking is built in Chiswick (and if they approve knocking down good looking Victorian or early Edwardian buildings they probably get bonus points)"I suppose LBH made the whole of CHR from Dukes Ave to Chiswick Lane (plus TGT as far as the station) declared a Conservation Area a few years ago to further this intention to wreck everything (though it was partly instigated to address the then threat to the Packhorse and Talbot).At a similar time the council established the review panel, made up of independent distinctive architects https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20063/pre-application_advice/1943/hounslow_design_review_panelThe point of the HDRP is to take a bit of influence for the local authority against the power of the landlord/developer. Bear in mind that planning law gives a local authority simply the authority to determine whether a proposal complies with planning law and provides 20% profit for the developer as a maximum.Naturally these architects, like Joanna Van Heyningen were dedicated to destroying Chiswick (and the rest of LBH) when (in Joanna's case) winning her OBE for services to Architecture and the Built Environment. But what do they know?

Guy Lambert ● 1384d

Firstly, I am pleased to see you are on the mend even if we almost never agree.I must say if was refreshing to read your unvarnished blog on the Brentford site about your misadventures with the demon drink.I wonder if the Met were the freeholders. If so the "community amenity space" could/should have been retained by them as a 'Police Pod' manned over weekend where citizens could actually talk face to face with an officer. I take your point about the Conservation Zone. Fair enough. That goodness for that else we end up with a charmer like Brentford's Multi Storie!

Adrian Irving ● 1384d

Councillor Lambert says " I'm a very slow and occasionally wobbly cyclist since my recent illness. Enough that the first time I shopped in Chiswick I couldn't make it up the hill on the cycle path (I am improving :))."I wonder if the Councillor should refrain from cycling until he is no longer wobbly.  I'm astonished that he admits to cycling while not really fit to do so.  Is he addicted to his bike in the way that PC insists we're addicte4d to our cars, and can't refrain even when he probably should.

Maggie Dodge ● 1384d

"I suppose LBH made the whole of CHR from Dukes Ave to Chiswick Lane (plus TGT as far as the station) declared a Conservation Area a few years ago to further this intention to wreck everything (though it was partly instigated to address the then threat to the Packhorse and Talbot)."Sure Guy, that would be the same LBH who allowed the magnificent Garthowen House (on Barrowgate) designed by a renowned architect to deteriorate for over a decade so that they could justify demolition and approved replacing it with mediocrity - in a conservation area. If I remember the planning officers report the quality and importance of the original building was dismissed as the architect had plenty of other buildings specifically churches in the area.Similarly at the corner of Barrowgate and SCR the magnificent late Victorian/early Edwardian mansion was replaced with retirement homes of what can best be described as bland architecture - not bad, just not even close to as good as what went before.We have other buildings, in the conservation area, where planning dept. has approved extensions which destroy all original features of the building and replace them with a modern white box.That is the reality of what LBH planning dept have inflicted on Chiswick.  If any buildings of real architectural merit get built, especially in a conservation area, it will be an accident.As for the renowned architect Joanna Van Heyningen, I am struggling to see that she has been involved in small scale housing projects in the last 20 years - she designs buildings for institutions, and IMO they are very nice buildings mostly in a modern style but rather better than the modern bland that LBH inflicts on Chiswick

Justin Stephenson ● 1384d

As you know, Maggie, I'm a perfectly competent cyclist. The first time I tried a two way journey to Chiswick, I took the safe way along the cycle path through Waterman's park. Being a bit tired I found the hill in there a bit much, so I pushed for a few yards. As you also know, my problem occurred several weeks later when a hurrying woman nearly knocked my bike by her running into me in Clifton Gardens by my doctor's. No harm done apart from me being afraid for a second and the lady feeling an idiot, leading to two people having a nice giggle.

Guy Lambert ● 1384d

Architectural aesthetics aside.The ground floor should surely be used for A1 A3 usage.Chiswick High Road is a thriving local High Street as could be seen yesterday at the Flower Market.

Sonia Beddington ● 1384d

I wouldn't put a retirement home there my self but if they do how long before the complaints start about the noise?Chiswick has become less interesting as a night out which is a shame.Don't live on the high rd and then complain about the noise.

Craig David Mcdowell ● 1384d

exactly!I would hope at the very least there is some way of putting protections for hospitality businesses into any planning consent so that any complaints would be thrown out without second thought. Chiswick would miss the George IV and its live entertainment.

Chris Jenkins ● 1384d

Having gone to the presentation yesterday, I am very disappointed with the proposal.Providing homes for the elderly I applaud – But please, not on the ground floor of our busy High Road.  At least two thirds of the ground floor street frontage will be a lounge area for the residents. The remaining ground floor cafe and restaurant will be primarily for residents and their guests and only entered through the main entrance of the building.This means zero permeability or attraction for the High Road. This is a great opportunity to revitalise this drab corner of a car park - Birchgrove’s proposal does not do this in any way or form.The representative also assured me that their design is the same height as the highest point on the current building – Really?

Jonathan Simpson ● 1383d

https://chiswickcalendar.co.uk/design-proposals-for-police-station-redevelopment-unveiled/

Michael Robinson ● 1383d

Let's see...centrally located, lots of accommodation, fast access to the High Road, parking round the back, everyone knows where it is. Hey, why not make it a police station?

Colin Jordan ● 1383d

I think Jonathan is right. People can question the design which looks pretty clunky to me but plenty of building like this have already been given permission on the High Road.The opportunity being missed is the chance to introduce more retail. A restaurant is out of the question given noise issues for the elderly residents but there would be plenty of space for a discount retail supermarket, something that Chiswick really needs right now, which would benefit from having car parking right in front.

Felicity Caborn ● 1383d

It would not surprise me if the Taliban at Hounslow Council were to grant late permission to convert the Old Police Station into a mosque, so that they can pop over to gloat at their destruction of CHR as a nice place to be. (Or it would be, if we had more pubs, off-licences and betting shops).Nor would it come as any surprise if tho damn philistines built wind turbines on all our green spaces, and converted all of Chiswick into one huge nudist camp in which unclean and unsavoury Oriental practices in public are made compulsory for all.

Roger Talbot ● 1382d

YehBlooming noisy are those markets. Especially when the singing flower stall winds them all up at once and the drunks outside the pub join in.Then you get the cars sounding the horns for backing vocals

Julian Pavey ● 1382d

Jonathan, please remember this building is designed primarily for the people who live there. Having a spacious communal living area is a real bonus for the residents who will be able to socialise with other owners and friends.Personally I think it is a little unthinking to deny them this amenity on the basis some people want more retail.

Adrian Irving ● 1382d

Adrian - I completely agree with you. I imagine a communal living area would be very beneficial for the residents. I am not suggesting that this be denied to them but that it should be in a different location – Perhaps overlooking the courtyard garden at the rear rather than a car park.Maggie & Felicity – Birchgrove's representative informed me that the building is to have ‘state of the art’ sound proofing so outdoor external noise and ground floor noise would not be an issue for the residents.

Jonathan Simpson ● 1382d

If they want to open a window ?

Janice Evans ● 1382d

Have I missed something? Why would having retail at the ground floor level mean that it would be impossible for indoor communal space for residents elsewhere in the development?The danger is that more and more units in that strip will convert to residential only.Even if the building was well soundproofed are you confident that there wouldn't be lots of potential issues with having elderly residents above a restaurant or a bar? That certainly seems to be the pattern elsewhere in Chiswick. That's why I think the units should be retail. The car park in front makes it perfect for a supermarket and the balance in Chiswick is wrong at the moment with only a Marks and a Waitrose in the central part of town. More and more people, including W4 residents, really need a discount supermarket and this would be an ideal place for it.

Felicity Caborn ● 1381d

Interesting to hear about the sound proofing, which rather proves the point though, that they acknowledger that it will be a noisy location. Perhaps residents might like go outside on to the High Road.  Every market day, when they boast huge crowds of shoppers,  might  be difficult for some residents.

Maggie Dodge ● 1381d

Supermarkets, need lorry loads of deliveries every day so for that reason alone it is a non starter.Let's see how much demand for new retail space there is After Christmas shall we. The way things are going I think will be poor to almost non existent.

Adrian Irving ● 1381d

It is right to highlight the need for a discount supermarket in Chiswick but this site could be problematic. Adrian is right about the need for a loading bay and, althought that could possibly be accommodated in the car park, there could be no deliveries on a Sunday due to the markets.There is always going to be demand for retail space on Chiswick High Road - the problem is the high rents making it difficult for a business to be sustainable.

Mark Evans ● 1381d

MD: "Perhaps residents might like go outside on to the High Road.  Every market day, when they boast huge crowds of shoppers,  might  be difficult for some residents."RC: Than what do you propose? Scrap the markets? Or scrap the retirement home?Fact is, while I have every sympathy with people who've long lived in a peaceful location, but then suddenly find their enjoyment is disturbed by new development etc, that is not the case here.This location has long been in the middle of a busy, bustling commercial high road. Any potential resident in this new home must know that before they move in, including that there are markets outside for three Sundays in the month (only)..Meaning that those who don't want this might be better advised to try eg 'Shady Pines' in the Cotswolds instead

Richard Cathcart ● 1381d

ME: "There is always going to be demand for retail space on Chiswick High Road - the problem is the high rents making it difficult for a business to be sustainable."RC: The main reason for rents being so high is that demand for retail space in the centre of CHR exceeds supply.By reserving the ground floor of this retirement home for retail, you increase supply (obv). Thereafter, if it turns out that the retail occupants still cannot turn a profit, the development should be designed in such a way that it can still be easily converted to residential use.I mean, we've seen plenty of such conversions eg from office blocks to flats, when the original architects can never have envisaged such a repurposing.Moreover, if the ground floor is initially designed for residential purposes, you can be sure it will not subsequently be converted to retail use, even if there is overwhelming demand for that.

Richard Cathcart ● 1381d

It has to be a case for Caveat Emptor.Next thing you know, people will be asking for the car parking just outsideto be removed as the number of cars coming and going so close to the residential home might disturb the residents.

Andrew Jones ● 1381d

W4 has too many hairdressers to say the least.  The days of clothes shops have long since gone. However the idea of building a retirement home, is a brilliant one.

Richard Atterwill ● 1379d

Doctors surgery, it's time for a new updated NHS surgery/pharmacy that can deal with minor problems and also qualify to dispense anti-biotics.Walk in service for anyone, they have all our medical records on-line andthat's all they need really.

Janice Evans ● 1379d

Isn't the nearby Chiswick Health Centre going to be redeveloped soon and presumably modernised?

Peter Evans ● 1379d

24 hour walk in service to free up A & E. doubt they would update to meet the need.

Janice Evans ● 1379d

https://planning.hounslow.gov.uk/Planning_CaseNo.aspx?strCASENO=P/2023/1632

Aaron N. Mahadevan ● 1180d

Great location for residential but they will need that car park, so presumably the plan will not go ahead.

Maggie Dodge ● 1179d

NopeIt has its own car park big enough to have some Communal  garden and parking.If you know the area your know whats behind https://www.google.co.uk/maps/search/chiswick+police+station/@51.49203,-0.2580878,60m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu

Julian Pavey ● 1179d

THere is no parking in the proposal, more accomodation and gardens where the current parking is.

Bill George ● 1179d

If you read the planning documents you will see it says the development will be 'car free' with no car parking provided.  There will be space for drop-off/delivery outside.  The interior space will be used for gardens.It says 'all staff will be expected to travel by non-car modes' and there will be no provision of parking for residents.

Michael Robinson ● 1179d

So the market possibly goes aheadThank god we got somewhere

Julian Pavey ● 1179d

What an improvement from the 'Brentford car park's school of architecture to a mellow brick finish. (As I suggest before)

Adrian Irving ● 1178d

I didn't see if there was a construction plan in the planning documents but I'm sure there will be some impact to that end of Old Market Place.If the markets couldn't use the area in front of the police station because of building work there is the option to have market stalls east of Devonshire Rd (antiques do this already, cheese and flowers don't currently) or use Devonshire Rd as the flower market did in the past.

Michael Robinson ● 1178d

Will be interesting to see if it works out with no parking, doubt they wouldget any visitors.

Janice Evans ● 1177d

There is plenty of on street parking within a short walking distance of the old police station, and it's free to park between 1230 and 1630 and after 1830 during the week, after 1230 on Saturdays and all day Sunday.I'm sure they will get some visitors, some who might even decide to go there without using a car.

Andrew Jones ● 1177d

I have been involved with a number of these types of developments without paking. Never an issue if they are in a central location. Priced correctly they will fly out the door.

Adrian Irving ● 1177d

Adrian, rarely do I disagree with you however, I'm not sure noisy and smelly markets held every Sunday will prove to be successful as far this development is concerned ?

Loraine Pemberton ● 1176d

Also it's if someone visits and wants to take the person out who wouldprobably require the use of a wheelchair.

Janice Evans ● 1176d

I take your point Loraine and I said in a previous post I would not choose to live near a street food market. That said, I still think they will sell well but you are right of couse, some people will be put off, including me.A possible mitigation could be to have stalls stopping short of the flats so that the cooking smells, van movements, crowds (possibly) would some distance away.

Adrian Irving ● 1176d

You make a good point Janice. I would be surprised if that hadn't been been provided for however maybe the whole area directly in front of the flats could be for disabled, parent and child parking.Referencing my last post thereby killing two birds with on stone.

Adrian Irving ● 1176d

Maybe some older people might like to have so much life within an easy walk. My father used to love sitting at HRH just people watching. Let’s not write off our wonderful older generation if they are fortunate enough to be in reasonably good health their mind is still young.

Jayne Thorburn ● 1176d

I think the original proposition was for rentals , not sales. Has that changed?

David McLoughlin ● 1174d

You wouldn't want any shoppers parking where the ambulance needs to park.  When anybody is ill they would need to be calling an ambulance as nowhere seems to have enough extra staff on hand - and ambulances tend to be filled with equipment so often hang around for a while hooking people up to machines before they move off.

Philippa Bond ● 1174d

Yes, my belief is they will for rent.It will be interesting to know on what basis. I would imagine takers will want longer and more secure terms than the normal Assured Shorthold Tenancy.

Adrian Irving ● 1174d