West London Community Divided by Controversial Penthouse Project
Residents of Chiswick Village in west London have found their peaceful existence shattered by the sudden appearance of scaffolding and relentless construction noise. What was once considered an idyllic Thames-side retreat has become a building site, with homeowners claiming they received minimal warning about the extensive development planned directly above their homes.
The trouble began when landlord Colin Tett and developers London Penthouse Ltd decided to invoke a clause in residents' contracts that allows construction on the airspace above the existing blocks. The result has been what locals describe as a living nightmare, with water leaks, constant noise, and builders peering into their homes becoming daily occurrences.
Fire Safety Fears and Plummeting Property Values
Six flats have already been put up for sale, valued between £400,000 and £650,000 before the construction began. Those determined to stay face years of disruption, but more worrying are the serious concerns about fire safety standards being overlooked to save costs.
Residents fear the landlord is avoiding implementing required safety measures under the new Building Safety Act 2022, which would apply once the additional floor makes the buildings high-rise properties. These requirements include fire doors, sprinkler systems, and improved evacuation systems - crucial protections following the Grenfell Tower tragedy that claimed 72 lives.
Martin Weaver, 65-year-old chairman of Chiswick Village Residents Limited, has lived in the community since 1988. He told how the development is tearing apart what was once a harmonious neighbourhood. 'We were given a week's notice to tell all of the other residents,' he revealed. 'The landlord was deliberately trying to divide us.'
Community Spirit Under Threat
The historic complex, designed by Charles Evelyn Simmons in 1937 and built on former orchard land, has long been prized for its immaculate grounds and close-knit community atmosphere. Residents describe Christmas parties on the green and decades-long neighbourly relationships that now face being destroyed by the ongoing construction.
One anonymous resident who has rented in the village for over six years said she had no idea about the development until scaffolding appeared overnight. 'The noise is really affecting me a lot,' she explained. 'I also noticed that the water in my flat has gone on and off at various times. How is this legal?!'
Piyu Banerjee, 50, who recently moved in, expressed concerns about the building's structural integrity: 'It's a super old building anyway so I don't know why they're adding even more weight to the top.'
Even the scaffolding contractors have acknowledged the controversy, with one telling reporters they'd 'never had so much stick to a building development as this one.'
London Penthouse Ltd has strenuously denied residents' claims, stating that fire safety is not being compromised and that scaffolding alarms will be installed. They maintain that construction will take 18 months for the current phase and argue that 'all properties within a building will see an increase in value and desirability' once completed.
Hounslow Council has stated that following a review, they found 'no immediate breaches of planning control' and that the developer had 'lawfully implemented the approved scheme.' However, they continue to monitor the situation and investigate resident concerns.
As the dispute continues, the future of this once-tranquil London enclave hangs in the balance, with residents begging for the development to be done properly and safely, preserving both their homes and their community.
