Sam - We've been here before with officers recommending approval and members refusing. We have also been through the planning appeal process, with a two week inquiry held in 2018. The estate had a panoply of top lawyers and advisors, against Hounslow's officers and The Isleworth Society (paying towards legal representation), along with the plot holders. The planning inspector refused the appeal, citing - among other things, the loss of local open space and not being convinced that the money for the upkeep of Syon - given as the reason for the application, could not be found elsewhere . Frankly I have never read such a defeatist statement - what's your suggestion? Do we all just roll over for the great and the good just in case? As far as any of us were concerned this application was just unacceptable, be it from a Duke or anyone else. I despair of some of our local politicians - I really do, what with Curran saying much the same as you, I say thank Heaven you two weren't leading us in 1940. There are times you have to stand up to be counted for what you believe is right. The council simply could not keep banging on about their commitment to green issues, carbon footprints and emissions and allow building on a designated local open space and then hold their heads up, it would not have been a good look for anyone let alone our 'leaders'. Good job that a lot of people in the various communities of the borough have got backbones.
Vanessa Smith ● 923d