St Lawrence's Church Planning Applications Approved

Go ahead for flats, health centre and swimming pool

Revised proposals by Ballymore for the St Lawrence’s Church building have been approved by Hounslow Council’s planning committee this Thursday (11 February).

The Church, which has a tower dating back to the 15th century, has been granted a change of use which allow for the provision of a residents’ gym and swimming pool as well as the development of a nearby plot for 18 apartments in a six storey building and public open space. The change of use gives the flexibility to use the Church for retail, business, and community use.

Ballymore say they plan to bring the original churchyard into the public realm, organised into two distinct gardens: a ‘wild garden’ which will have informal planting with a woodland character and a ‘cloister garden’ which will feature a walkway surrounding quieter, shade planting under the retained trees. Pedestrian access through the open space would be maintained.

View of planned design from the High Street

In its submission to the meeting Brentford Voice said, “We regret the loss of the vicarage and we do not welcome the building of the block of flats and swimming pool on this site. However, we reluctantly accept that those aspects of the proposals formed part of the applicant’s original planning permission in 2015.

“We welcome the principal objectives of these proposals. We are delighted that the community is at last presented with the opportunity to have the Church repaired and restored both inside and outside. After 60 years of disuse this is a remarkable opportunity.

“A major challenge will be to find financially viable uses for the interior of the Church which will meet the aspirations of the community in Brentford.”

Tony Firkins, from Hounslow Green Party, addressed the Committee on his concerns about the energy strategy for Ballymore's development. The energy strategy, prepared in 2012 and permitted in 2015, is based upon a centralised energy centre fired by gas boilers.

The Planning Committee closely questioned Matt Stone, Ballymore's site manager, about this matter and the indication was given that Ballymore will proceed as planned.

Although not a planning matter the Committee wished to be assured that burials, including the two Commonwealth War Graves would be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

February 12, 2021