| Even if Hounslow refused a planning application for any housing on the site - the applicant would almost certainly appeal and win that, given the way the planning legislation works. You'd get no argument from me about what these greedy people are doing to our towns, I don't have much faith in Hounslow's planning committee, I'd say there are only a couple of people who actually 'get it' - however, there's no doubt local authorities should at least try and ameliorate the effects of all this rather than roll over so easily. The problem as ever is money - fighting planning appeals costs and that is public money. It can be done - it was in Isleworth last year with the Duke of Northumberland's ambition on build on allotment land, we now need Hounslow - and especially The Leader to stand firm on that and not keep having cosy chats with the estate reps. and allow the Duke to try it on again as seems likely. |