Arlington Cottage is one of the oldest buildings in Chiswick

A bid to build a new house in the grounds of a 17th century cottage, one of the oldest buildings in Chiswick, has been opposed by the West Chiswick & Gunnersbury Society.

Grade II listed No.1 Arlington Cottages is one of three terraced homes near Sutton Road North. The application, which is recommended for approval by Hounslow Council planners, is to build a three bedroom house in the grounds of the cottage, and to convert the listed cottage by removing a recent extension and adding a more appropriate one at the back.

The application was 'called in' for discussion at the Chiswick Area Forum, (February 5th) where, Marie Rabouhans of the West Chiswick & Gunnersbury Society (WCGS) told the meeting that they believed the proposal was not in keeping with the character of the conservation area. It would cause harm to the setting of the listed building and might damage mature trees in the front driveway through use of vehicles. The top floor would be of a height that would overlook and therefore this was overdevelopment, she said.

The property dates back to the early 17th Century and is approached via a long front garden with a large mature magnolia tree. Arlington Cottages is a group of three dwellings set well back from Arlington Gardens, close to the junction with Sutton Lane North.

The design plans says that it will be sensitive to the listed buildings and the surrounding houses and to the generally charming leafy setting in which it is placed.

The applicant, who grew up there and continues to reside there with her family, told the Forum that the proposed development meant that the cottage would be improved and restored. An extension which was not in keeping with the original cottage would be demolished. The new development would be very discreet and not seen from the main road. The front driveway was currently in daily use by family vehicles and there had been no damage caused to the two trees, which she loved. None of the neighbours had objected to the plan for the new house.

The application is currently recommended for approval, by the Hounslow Council Case Officer. Councillors decided to refer the matter over to Hounslow Council's Planning Committee for discussion and a decision.

February 7, 2019