A number of citizens have queried the appearance of a new wall on Thornbury Road by the southbound H28 Eversley Crescent bus stop.
Newly constructed wall to Thornbury Road (pre wall Google picture, below)
Now enclosing a previously open amenity space, the land was, in fact, always part of the freehold of 42 St Christopher’s Close.
A planning application to erect the wall was submitted in February 2022, with a recommendation to approve via Planning Officers’ delegated powers. Residents, concerned with the apparent loss of 50 years of open amenity space, asked Ward Councillor Unsa Chaudri to refer and speak on the officer report to a full LBH Planning Committee for determination by councillors. Taking place in June 2022, with residents also making a case, I argued that permission to enclose this long enjoyed and council maintained open land, within the Spring Grove Conservation Area, should be refused and this was supported when a vote was taken.
Subsequently, the applicant, as is their prerogative, lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate which, following consideration, allowed the appeal in December 2022. The Inspector approved the application with a condition that the new wall brickwork should match that of the neighbouring Fairways development; reflecting some aspects of the 1860s Davies Estate milieu.
TL 26.11.2024
Tony Louki's Report Back 