Charlotte Gilmartin appeared pro bono on behalf of The Isleworth Society at an eight day planning inquiry in to a proposed residential development at the Park Road Allotment site in Isleworth. The inquiry also considered a linked proposal to construct allotments at Syon Park. Jonathan Metzer was also involved in the preparation of The Isleworth Society’s case.
The proposed development included three storey residential flats on land currently used as allotments, and a linked proposal to relocate the allotments to Syon Park. Syon Park is a Grade I listed “Capability Brown” landscaped garden which surrounds the Grade I listed Syon House, both of which are owned by the Duke of Northumberland.
The issues in the case concerned whether the proposals would cause harm to the heritage assets at Syon Park and in the Isleworth Riverside Conservation Area, and if so, whether that harm was outweighed by the proposed benefits of development – namely, financing £13 million worth of repairs to Syon House. Also in issue was whether the loss of the Park Road Allotment site was a loss of local open space which was contrary to planning policy.
On 29th November the Planning Inspectorate dismissed the conjoined appeals brought by Northumberland Estates (on behalf of the Duke of Northumberland) against the refusal of planning permission, finding that the harm caused by the developments would not be outweighed by the proposed benefits, contrary to planning policy.
Charlotte and Jonathan were instructed by Emma Montlake at the Environmental Law Foundation. Northumberland Estates were represented by Sasha White QC and Anjoli Foster of Landmark Chambers. London Borough of Hounslow was represented by Ed Grant of Cornerstone Chambers.
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