The Hounslow Council Planning Committee convened to discuss several planning applications, including reserved matters for a residential building at Brentford Waterside, and various residential extensions and outbuildings in Acton and Chiswick. Several applications were brought to the committee following call-in requests from Councillor Joanna Biddolph.

Land South of Brentford High Street (Block H)

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for reserved matters relating to Plot H of the Brentford Waterside development, located south of Brentford High Street. The application concerned the approval of access, scale, appearance, layout, and landscaping for Plot H, pursuant to an outline planning permission granted in 2015. Councillor Katherine Dunne requested that the application be taken to the Planning Committee.

The proposal includes a residential building with 60 homes, comprising a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units, as well as 86 sqm of Class E¹ food and beverage floorspace. The building is planned to be eleven storeys high, reaching 45.333 metres AOD². The ground floor is intended to provide commercial units and a public terrace, with the Thames Path extending around the building's southern edge.

Several objections were raised during the consultation period, including concerns about the energy strategy, the impact on biodiversity, the height of the building, and potential noise disturbance from the nearby MSO Marine boat repair yard. Brentford Voice also raised concerns about the design, its impact on the Boston Manor and Grand Union Canal Conservation Area, and the potential for overshading of the River Brent.

The report notes that the development is exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, but soft landscaping is proposed to enhance biodiversity on site. It also addresses concerns about noise by stating that a noise assessment was conducted and that the development would need to comply with its findings.

The report concluded that the proposed development aligns with the agreed parameters and design guidance for Plot H and would enhance the appearance of the site without adversely impacting neighbouring residents or the local highway network. The application was recommended for approval subject to safeguarding conditions.

18 Park Drive, Acton

The committee was scheduled to consider changes to the existing projection's eaves to retain a rear extension at 18 Park Drive, Acton. Councillor Joanna Biddolph requested that the application be presented to the Planning Committee.

The application site is located within the Gunnersbury Park Conservation Area and is subject to an Article 4 Direction³. The proposal seeks to address concerns raised in previous refusals and an appeal dismissal regarding the relationship of the extension to the roof of the original wing.

The main change proposed is the reinstatement of the eaves of the single-storey rear outrigger to address concerns about its uncomfortable and jarring relationship to the roof of the original wing. The fenestration of the rear doors/windows would not be altered, despite it being a reason for refusal in previous reports.

Two objections were received, with concerns raised that the plans do not address the excessive height of the extension and the fenestration issue.

The report concluded that the level of harm of the proposal is low after the reinstatement of the eaves, and the proposal would not result in harm to adjoining neighbours. The application was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

15 Manor Gardens, Acton

The committee was scheduled to review an application concerning 15 Manor Gardens, Acton, which involves the erection of an extension and amendments to the roof and fenestration of an existing garage and outbuilding. Councillor Joanna Biddolph requested that the application be presented to the Planning Committee.

The proposal includes an extension to the existing rear garage and outbuilding, the insertion of two roof lights in the sloped roof and one roof light in the flat roof, and the replacement of the access doors with bifold doors and one single door towards the house. The outbuilding is intended to be used as a storeroom.

Two responses were received during the consultation, with concerns raised about the intended use as a residential HMO⁴ due to the inclusion of a bathroom and skylights.

The report notes that the bathroom has been removed from the revised drawings and that the outbuilding should be used incidental to the main house, with independent living accommodation not approved. It concludes that the proposal is acceptable due to its modest height and scale and would comply with the Council's Residential Extension Guidelines. The application was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

62 Park Drive, Acton

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for the erection of a detached outbuilding in the rear garden of 62 Park Drive, Acton, to be used as a gym and storeroom. Councillor Joanna Biddolph requested that the application be presented to the Planning Committee.

The proposal involves demolishing the existing detached outbuilding and rebuilding it for use as a gym and storeroom. The maximum height of the outbuilding would remain the same, matching the garage/outbuilding of 60 Park Drive.

Two responses were received during the consultation, with concerns raised that the outbuilding would have a bathroom, conflicting with the Council's Residential Extension Guidelines.

The report notes that the applicant has revised the design to remove the bathroom and that the outbuilding should be used incidental to the main house, with independent living accommodation not approved. It concludes that the proposal is acceptable due to its modest height and scale and would comply with the Council's Residential Extension Guidelines. The application was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

3 The Ridgeway, Chiswick

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for 3 The Ridgeway, Chiswick, involving the erection of a single-storey side extension to the existing single-storey rear garage outbuilding, with associated alterations and conversion from a residential garage to incidental residential use. Councillor Joanna Biddolph requested that the application be presented to the Planning Committee.

The proposal includes a single-storey side extension to the existing semi-detached single-storey rear garage outbuilding, with a chamfered side wall, shallow pitched roof, glazed single side door, and side double window. The outbuilding would be used as a recreation room for incidental uses to the enjoyment of the house.

Two objections were received, with concerns raised that the proposed extended single-storey rear garage outbuilding would include a bathroom and that the design of the extended rear garage outbuilding could facilitate its future use as an independent residential unit.

The report notes that the previously proposed shower/toilet has been removed from the drawings and that the outbuilding must be used incidental to the main house, with independent living accommodation not approved. It concludes that the proposed development would have no harmful effect on the character and appearance of the house, site, and Gunnersbury Park Conservation Area, and neighbour living conditions. The application was recommended for approval subject to conditions.