Chiswick Pier Trust surprised by level of opposition to scheme

Plans by the Chiswick Pier Trust (CPT) to extend the pontoon on the River Thames have been withdrawn.

The scheme ran into opposition from some residents concerned that it would amount to the creation a 'new marina' at the site of the existing pier.

Charles Lawrence, Chairman of Trustees at the CPT said in a letter to Trust members, "Whilst we received welcome support for the concept, items of detail aroused considerable concern, and these are being examined further.

" We were surprised by both the interest and the objections raised and so have withdrawn the current application whilst we revise our proposals. We will make these available for general comment before they
are formally submitted."

He added that the purpose of the scheme was to provide access to the river for residents not to antagonise them.

The CPT were prompted to make the application when they started to receive a significant number of unsolicited requests from the continent for berthing of visiting boats during the London Olympics. The rental from the Olympic period alone should be in the region of £50,000.

The extended pontoon would have had a total length of 145 metres and would have provided additional space for the Sea Cadets and Canoe Club, more space for visiting boats and space for two further residential boats as well as improved facilities for the RNLI and a transfer point for river buses.


July 16, 2011