A little before Christmas, the planning agent for 6 West Cross Way wrote to say that they’ll not be facilitating a tree outside the former Firestone building location as had been kindly placed by owners Legal & General in 2021 and 2022.
Proposed amendment to the former Firestone Factory site scheme
Councillors were also told to expect an application for minor amendments to the planning permission approved in November 2022. The existing scheme, (reference P/2021/4973) which was going to be built for Tesla, currently includes a car showroom, car workshop, MOT testing facilities, offices floorspace, new vehicle access points, service yard, basement car parking, landscaping, boundary and other associated works.
Tesla has pulled out and L&G is now looking at how best to make sure this scheme is delivered. They have decided to build it speculatively and intend to find an occupier during construction, or as soon as possible after completion.
Without a requirement to return to the Planning Committee, L&G’s agent has, under Section 73 of the 1990 Planning Act, just applied for a “non material amendment” to the existing planning permission.
Accompanying the submission and shown within this design pack, the changes sought include, reducing the size of the building, removing the basement and to reprovide outdoor parking around the more compact building. The pastiche deco style clock has been dropped because of concerns over its maintenance.
Firestone steps railing finial
Careful integration of what was left of the heritage of the site would remain. The planning agent says, “L&G remains confident that the scheme will attract a high class occupier who will make a real contribution to the Great West Road … and jobs that will be created.”
Responding, I emphasised that the site should be developed rather than left part demolished. Equally, when raised, the developer confirmed that all Grade II Listed Firestone heritage (remaining after Thatcher’s Fan Club vandalised it beyond recovery in 1980) would be protected, maintained and enhanced. L&G reiterated that their current Design and Access Statement regarding the Great West Road frontage will be secure, planted with sufficiently mature evergreens and access to power for lighting at Christmas ensured.
It has been said that speculative developments should be built to consider the broadest interest of the market, ensuring that a suitable occupier can be found and this is what led to some amendments to the permitted scheme, “to make it as market facing as possible”.
Regretably, by Autumn 2023, Tesla changed its strategy which, in turn, led Legal & General to revise that 2022 approved scheme to something smaller; less costly to build and then rent. Perhaps it may still happen. Mr Musk, by then, may later want something more economical and could end up in Osterley and Spring Grove Ward after all.
TL. 8.4.2024
Tony Louki's Report Back 