| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Housing on Gunnersbury Park | |
| Posted by: | John Connelly | |
| Date/Time: | 11/03/09 11:44:00 |
| My own view on building in public parks is that we should try not to do so. However, if there is a possibility of enhancing a public amenity through development on marginal green space this should be given consideration. Currently, the future improvements to Heston Leisure Centre and library are almost totally dependent upon being able to strike a deal with a developer who will build the new facility and profit from building housing on adjacent land, including part of Heston Park. Some of the land on the southern end of Gunnersbury Park does appear under-used, and this could possibly be developed in return for investment in the rest of the park. Indeed, funds released from Gunnersbury would, in my opinion, be a better way of financing Boston Manor House improvements than allowing a huge car park nearby. Elsewhere in the Borough of Hounslow it is likely to be compromises of this nature that enable improvements in our parks to occur. Opposition to such developments will inevitably come from neighbours who see their amenity undermined, and it is vital that planning policies are not sidelined just because large sums of money seem achievable. This type of discussion is not easy. However, it must be undertaken as it is unlikely that local authorities will have access to alternative funds to maintain these facilities in the foresdeeable future. |