Sarah Trimmer and Private Eye
Wonderful piece in Nooks and Corners column of the new edition of 'Private Eye' regarding the destruction of Sarah Trimmer's school founded in 1786.The narrative is that Hounslow council refused repeated applications to demolish the adjoining chapel and also an application to convert the school into flats was way back in 2001. In February last year an application for partial demolition to turn the school into 3 residential units was again turned down.Then in May 2016 IDM - the developers - without warning or authorisation or listed building consent, removed the roof and demolished the chimneys, claiming that the former was overloaded and the latter unsafe. Enforcement demanded that what was left of the school be covered and protected, which was done. IDM then started sand blasting the now cracked walls, until a temporary stop order was imposed. "In February, incomprehensibly, Hounslow granted listed building consent for rebuilding the roof and rear and side walls, although in May it refused permission for conversion into 3 bungalow flats. The council's own report on this confirms that the school 'is an important 18th century building, considered to be of national importance, and its special appearance and interest must be retained. So 'it is considered that this proposal does not adequately value the architectural integrity of the listed building, and that the proposed works would fail to preserve its special interest and setting'.But what is the council going to do to enforce the law and make IDM behave?"The article then mentions the Westminster case of the pub that was demolished, and Westminster insisting that the developer rebuild it before the site could be sold."Surely feeble Hounslow could and should do the same, for all that remains today of Mrs. Trimmer's charitable legacy are the remains of the west and south walls."The article then poses the question that as with Westminster when the Eye highlighted it, "would the council use its powers to punish offenders and make sure they make no money from the cleared site. A hefty fine? Why not a prison sentence? Why not indeed? By its actions IDM West London has scarcely shown itself to be a deserving members of society".Don't hold your breath if you expect Hounslow to find their backbone.
Vanessa Smith ● 3335d39 Comments ● 3319d