Final Chance to Oppose Burlington Lane Tower Looms
Old Chiswick Protection Society urging people to object to the Mayor
A visualisation from planning documents of how the building would look behind St. Nicholas Church
October 4, 2025
The Old Chiswick Protection Society (OCPS) is urging residents and anyone concerned about the future of Chiswick’s historic landscape to submit final objections to the Mayor of London regarding a controversial planning application for a 10-storey residential block at 1 Burlington Lane. The application, approved by Hounslow Council in August, is now under formal review by the Mayor, with a decision expected as early as this month
The OCPS warns that time is running out. While objections submitted during the council’s planning process remain valid, new comments can still be made directly to the Mayor via the Greater London Authority’s planning portal. The group is encouraging people to act quickly before the final decision is made:
Submit your views – GLA Planning Portal (P-2024-2610)
The development, submitted by housing association L&Q, proposes 132 residential units in a part-6, part-10 storey building, alongside commercial space and landscaping improvements. The tallest element would face Burlington Lane, directly opposite the Premier Inn and adjacent to Hogarth Roundabout. The site lies within the setting of Chiswick House, Hogarth’s House, and the Old Chiswick Conservation Area.
Despite its location in a sensitive heritage zone, Hounslow Council’s Planning Committee voted to approve the scheme on 7 August. One councillor described the decision as one that “probably didn’t suit anyone,” acknowledging the complexity and controversy surrounding the proposal.
The OCPS and other objectors argue that the proposed tower would dominate views of Old Chiswick and St Nicholas Church, undermining the character and atmosphere of the conservation area. They point out that the current building on the site was deliberately designed to respect its historic surroundings, and while it now stands empty, any redevelopment should enhance rather than overwhelm the area.
Historic England has formally objected to the scheme, citing harm to the setting of listed buildings and protected views. Neighbouring boroughs Richmond and Hammersmith & Fulham have also raised concerns about overshadowing, traffic impacts, and inappropriate massing. Andy Slaughter MP has stated that the development is “out of scale for the area” and fails to deliver the type of family and affordable housing that the community needs.
A visualisation of the building as seen from Hogarth Roundabout
The Mayor of London must now decide whether to allow Hounslow Council to determine the application, direct refusal, or take over the case for his own determination. While heritage concerns carry significant weight under the London Plan, recent comments by Mayor Sadiq Khan suggest a growing willingness to relax planning constraints in order to boost housing delivery.
In September, the Mayor told the Evening Standard that “nothing is off the table” in efforts to accelerate housing starts, including a potential reduction in affordable housing requirements from 35% to 20%. This shift reflects mounting pressure to address London’s housing crisis, with fewer than 1,000 homes started in the capital during Q3 2025.
Although the Burlington Lane scheme includes 132 apartments, only seven are designated for social rent. Critics argue that this falls short of meeting local housing needs, while supporters may point to the overall delivery of new homes and the potential alignment with mayoral priorities.
The OCPS believes that the proposed development would cause irreversible harm to one of West London’s most historic quarters. The group is calling on all those who live in, work in, or care about the area to make their voices heard before it is too late.
“This is not just about people who like the view,” the Society said. “It’s about protecting the integrity of Old Chiswick for future generations.”
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