Residents Unhappy About Council's Harvard Road Changes
Proceeding with buildout of kerb despite lack of support in consultation
The proposed location of the buildout on Harvard Road
March 7, 2025
There has been an angry reaction from some residents of Harvard Road to proposals to buildout the kerb on the corner at the junction with Grosvenor Road.
Hounslow Council consulted on the measure towards the end of last year. The intention is to reduce the distance required to cross the road to improve pedestrian accessibility.
This will be achieved by narrowing the road from the east side of the junction and it is hoped to add some green planting space at the location. The measure requires the removal of two parking bays.
There were only 15 responses to the consultation with eleven of those expressing opposition to the plan. Despite the council acknowledging that the consultation “had very low response”, it has decided to proceed with the changes.
As a result, residents have started a petition opposing what the council is describing as the Harvard Road Improvements scheme. 59 people have signed it so far. Opponents dispute this term saying that the existing layout is already functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Some claim that the changes could increase hazard at the junction.
“The Harvard Road junction has had a clean and predictable layout for the past two decades, offering good visibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers,” said a local resident. “It features a sweeping curve, present for at least 180 years, that adds to the area's visual appeal. There have been no major safety concerns, and even local driving schools frequently use it for learner drivers.”
Some claim that the changes could increase hazard at the junction.
One noted, “If this modification goes ahead, it is unlikely to remain incident-free for the next five years. If that proves to be the case, we will hold Hounslow Council accountable.”
The campaign against the changes has received support from Cllr Joanna Biddolph who represents Gunnersbury ward. She has asked council officers to withdraw it saying that the money could be used instead to carry out the council’s proposal to remove the bus gate on Chiswick High Road near Acton Lane.
She said, “If the council were to do this outstanding work, business owners and residents would applaud the council rather than criticise it for yet another undemocratically imposed scheme. The Harvard Road buildout is fixing a problem that does not exist while a known problem remains in place on Chiswick High Road that could easily be fixed”.
We have approached Hounslow Council for comment.
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