Gunnersbury Triangle Decision Postponed

Temporary reprieve for threatened nature reserve

The future of Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve still hangs in the balance. It was expected to go to the Mayor of London for decision earlier this week, but this did not happen apparently due to administrative reasons. The case will now be considered in the next few weeks.

Back on May 16th, Ealing Council's Planning Committee gave consent to Blackstone's proposals for a mixed use development on an adjoining site on Colonial Drive, with blocks of flats, up to eight storeys high, some coming right up to the edge of the reserve.

This decision is subject to approval by the Mayor of London. Campaigners are urging the Mayor to negotiate for a more sensitive development for this site. They feel that the blocks of flats, all with balconies overlooking the nature trail, will destroy the special 'countryside' character of the nature reserve.

Rula Lenska and a number of well-known figures have signed a letter to the editor of the Standard, expressing their concern, which was published on Aug 21st. Signatories to the letter included Janet Ellis, Rebecca Frayn and David Lindo.

The development site is wedged between the Nature Reserve and the London Overground and Piccadilly and District Line railways.

Campaigners are not against development in principle, and recognise the need for more housing, but want to see the buildings pushed back from the boundary with the nature reserve, with a good strip of planting between the blocks of flats and the woodland edge, with some reduction in height, so they are less over-bearing and reduce the impact on the tranquil character of the nature reserve.

Simon King on Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve

August 24, 2012