September 12th, 2023
Conclusion of the public enquiry - Park Road Allotments
Historic Battle Reignited
The battle for the Park Road Allotments in Isleworth, previously contested five years ago, has once again reached a critical juncture with the conclusion of the Public Inquiry. The Duke of Northumberland, despite facing community resistance in the past, has presented a renewed case for the development of this historic site, prompting the Isleworth Society and the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) to reaffirm their commitment to its protection.
Public Inquiry: A Summary of Events
The Public Inquiry into the development of Park Road Allotments in Isleworth concluded Monday with the closing statements of all the parties. Lucy McCann, barrister at 1COR instructed by ELF and acting for the Isleworth Society was excellent. Concluding four days of evidence, TIS three main areas of focus were summarised as follows:-a. Local Open Space: the unacceptable loss of Local Open Space conflicts with the local development plan as well as regional and national policy, and the level of harm thereby arising is cause alone to reject this appeal.b. Heritage: in light of the submissions made at paragraph 46 on the overall heritage balance, the resultant significant planning harm to heritage generates a strong presumption against development.c. Ecology and biodiversity: the Appellant has not shown that the overall effect of the proposals on biodiversity would be positive. We submit that this is in conflict with the development plan, as well as regional and national policy, which is a significant planning harm.Lucy’s penultimate paragraph summarised the position brilliantly.
“Throughout this appeal, the Appellant has sought in their terms to “depersonalise” the issues. In their view a personalised approach would not be “fair or reasonable”. But the actions of the Appellant over the past decade or so – with repeated planning applications, resisting ACV designation, refusing to let vacant plots, and by threatening to force the closure of the allotments forever - has unnecessarily led to this issue becoming deeply felt by allotment holders and the local community. Moreover, the Appellant has sought to frame this issue as a choice between two local assets that no-one could deny are of personal significance to local residents. With a residential portfolio of some 100,000 acres spanning the length of this country, from the borders of Scotland to the banks of the Thames, it just is not right that one small three-acre allotment site determines the future of Syon House.”
Emma Montlake of ELF said
“Another public inquiry has just concluded regarding the fate of the Park Road allotments that can be truly characterised as “David and Goliath” battle. The desire to preserve the allotments, Local Open Space and Asset of Community Value, the community has spoken. The enormous strength of feeling around this latest proposal to develop the allotments has been in evidence. From the Isleworth Society that represents many local people, local Councillors, allotment holders, even the local conservative MP spoke at the Public Inquiry in opposition to the development. As our barrister concluded, the Duke owns over 100,000 acres of land in the UK and to frame the need for the development in terms of it being necessary to fund the upkeep of Syon House, which is privately owned by the Duke, is unconscionable. Now we wait and keep our fingers crossed that the Inspector finds in favour of the community voice.”
The Isleworth Society said
“The Isleworth Society has been incredibly fortunate to have got to know you, Lucy and Kiran and benefited from your teamwork and expertise. Thank you too, to ELF for enabling this to happen.”
In Anticipation of the Outcome
The upcoming decision from the Planning Inspector will be a significant moment for the Isleworth community. Reflecting on the previous successful defense of the Park Road Allotments, the community’s resolve is evident. The determination of residents, local organizations, and legal representatives has been highlighted throughout this renewed appeal process. As we anticipate the verdict, it’s worth noting the continued importance of this allotment site to the local community, both as an environmental asset and as a symbol of collective action against major developmental pressures.
