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Response to Draft Further Alternations to the London Plan, January 2014from Wells House Road Residents Association

Prepared by Amanda Souter, Chair of Wells House Road Residents Association8/4/14

Table A1.1 Opportunity Areas:

Point 27 Old Oak Common Area (Ha): 155

“Indicative employment capacity: 55,000Minimum new homes: 24,000OAPF progress: 2Old Oak Common has significant regeneration potential for new housing and jobs and could make a major contribution to London's position as a world business centre. Regeneration would centre on a new strategic public transport infrastructure hub at Old Oak Common on the HS2 line between London and Birmingham with an interchange with Crossrail 1, other national main lines and the London Overground. Provision of public transport infrastructure on this scale would drive substantial development which could yield 24,000 new homes and, subject to capacity and demand, up to 55,000 jobs and a variety of complementary and supporting uses in a commercial hub around the station and in the wider area. The potential for a network of new open spaces and green links connecting Old Oak Common station to North Acton, Willesden Junction, Wormwood Scrubs and the Grand Union Canal should be investigated. Public transport accessibility and availability of amenity space should support high density development which could include a cluster of tall buildings around the interchange. Wormwood Scrubs would provide a major amenity to support this scale of development and improved access to the Scrubs is essential to deliver sustainable residential communities. Planning for Old Oak Common should be integrated with the wider Park Royal Opportunity Area, including scope for business relocations. Linkages with Kensal Canalside and White City Opportunity Areas should also be considered, including the Imperial College campus expansion and associated potential for business creation and development at Old Oak/Park Royal. A vision document for Old Oak was published in June 2013 setting out a direction of travel for the future development of the area."

Wells House Road Residents Association, 31 Wells House Road, London NW10 [email protected] T 020 8838 0961

mailto:[email protected]

In response to the amendments in the “Further Alternations to The London Plan” report from the Mayor of London, we would request that the following points are born in mind whilst developing plans for the Old Oak Common area:

1. The reference to the plans for Old Oak Common (OA 27) are extremely vague in terms of both how the area can accommodate such ambitious goals and also how the construction will be managed. As such, our comments here deal with broad plans for the afea discussed in the DFALP at this stage and with the implications of aspects of the Mayor’s wider policies for this projected development.

2. We observe that there has been no consultation on the establishment of an Opportunity Area (OA) in the Old Oak area, and the London Plan has not been widely circulated to the general public. Thus few, if any residents and business in the Old Oak Common and Park Royal area have been made aware of this consultation and it is likely the response will be low. Therefore, we feel that this is not an inclusive or democratic process and we have not had adequate time to formulate a detailed and evidenced response on the full 358-page report and its implications for the extensive and dense development planned in our neighbourhood. The consultation process needs to be much more extensive, encouraging contributions from the public at large and from the people who are directly affected, i.e. people who live and work in London, to be allowed to comment on plans that will directly impact on their quality of life. We note that



expectations of such consultation is integral to the GLA’s constitution in the GLA Act.

3. We would also like reassurance that this scale of ‘remodelling’ London is necessary. The London Plan assumes a need to accommodate a rise in population through increasing density. However, we question the core premise of this strategy and would suggest that The Mayor explores options for encouraging migration to London suburbs and the commuter belt, as well as to other regions in the UK rather than increasing the population of an already overstretched London.

4. Overall, residents are positive about the concept of rejuvenating Old Oak Common and Park Royal areas. However, we disagree with the direction of travel of the OA 27 description in the DFALP, and feel that this development needs to be approached with much greater sensitivity and with a view to preserving the existing communities and assets and to retaining the overall character of the area. We reject the idea of ‘gentrification’ and ‘social cleansing’ of the long-standing communities that currently reside in this area. Thus we oppose the suggestion that Opportunity areas might set their own character, disregarding that of the historical residents, businesses and architecture. Our view is that this approach contradicts the Mayor’s stated policy to encourage diversity and vitality in the city ie. the suggestion that “the scope for larger areas to determine their own character should be fully realized in terms of housing densities” (paragraph 2.62) is in contradiction with the observation that it is the historic accretion of diverse kinds of areas across London and the resultant “sheer variety (which) is an important element of London’s vibrant economic success, world class status and unique character” (paragraph 7.30). We have some specific suggestions on this in relation to Old Oak Common and Park Royal areas in the Recommendations below.

5. We would refer you to the map above (prepared by the GLA for discussion at the Mayor’s Investment and Performance Board, meeting 20 February 2014, depicting the preferred delineation of the Mayoral Development Corporation planned for Park Royal and Old Oak Common) which relates to discussion of OAs 26 and 27 in the FALP. We wish to strongly challenge the proposal for 24,000 homes and 55,000 jobs within the Old Oak area. (within the pink boundaries on the map).

a. Effectively, we are concerned about the density of the development, particularly since this area is already shared with:

i. long established communities such as Wells House Road (around 121 family homes), Goodall Street and other railway cottages in the Island Triangle (a conservation area), Shaftesbury Gardens and Midland Terrace

ii. many local businesses



iii. The Scrubs open space

iv. We are concerned about the proposed densities which will result from meeting the targets for BOTH residential and business activities in the Old Oak area. Reference to Old Oak Common as a ‘world business centre’ in point 27 alongside providing 24000 seems contradictory. With Park Royal on its doorstep, surely it would make better sense to retain and develop existing businesses there, building on existing business clusters and strengths. This would, however, require better transport links into Park Royal from the HS2, Crossrail and Transport for London (TFL) Overground links.

v. We would also point out that the current transport plans are for Old Oak Common to act as a transport interchange and not as a ‘final destination’. Thus no provisions have been made in the Vision for Old Oak Common for a large volume of passengers to alight here in addition to the significant proposed residential population. We would recommend that before HS2 and Crossrail stations and interchanges are approved, that these are all moved underground, thus allowing more space to develop overground, with the main entrance being in the centre of the Old Oak Common area, rather than on Old Oak Common Lane. This would allow people to come out into the new development area to the East of the interchange.

b. In addition, there are also plans for HS2, Crossrail and a new TFL Overground stations (plus this reports a connection with Great Western rail services in point 6.19 that has not yet been raised with local residents) that are earmarked to take over a large proportion of this space, strengthening our concerns about the feasibility of the proposals indicated in paragraph 27 of Table A1.1.

c. The new QPR football stadium also included within these boundaries.

d. Lastly, the area already contains a number of waste and recycling plants such as PowerDay and plans are to increase the number of these units that continue to feed the ‘deprived’ labeling of Old Oak Common. Surely, this conflicts with the strategy to become a ‘world centre’ and to counter the rather sensational labeling of the area as ‘deprived’.

6. There will also be a requirement to extend local services and amenities to provide for the increase in population: schools, hospitals, doctors, dentists, community centres, places of worship, sports facilities, retail outlets, libraries, etc. These will add to the requirement for space.

With these concerns in mind, we have a number of alternative recommendations for the Old Oak area, which we feel will be more in keeping with the Mayor’s



commitments to fostering diversity and vitality with creative use of the city’s heritage assets (Policy 7.8), and to the creation of Lifetime Neighbourhoods (Policy 7.1).

7. We would recommend that elements that add character and cultural diversity to area are included, such as galleries, arts centres, street markets, centres for cultural diversity, theatres, cinemas, etc. are included within the plan; all that contribute to community cohesion and fit with the personality and needs of West London.

8. Consideration should be given to promoting small business and independent retailers, rather than conflicting with Westfield through adding large chain stores.

9. We envisage an area where people using the new rail and overground infrastructure at Old Oak Common would gain a positive impression of London as a place of character and interest rather another sterile high rise development to pass through and avoid, like Canary Wharf. See below images of Canary Wharf versus Kings Cross by way of comparison.

10. These Donald Trumpesque and Canary Wharf style developments are simply at odds with The Mayor’s vision of the vitality and lively environment he wishes to create. If the area is to become a ‘mini Manhattan’, then look to the heritage that is a magnate to visitors, such as Tribeca, Soho and The Village and not to the Trump Place/Riverside South that has become an unpopular blot on the New York Skyline.

11. The implication is that in order to accommodate provisions for such a vast increase in population, the plans would require high rise buildings and that Old Oak Common would become another generic, sterile and faceless area – out of keeping with the character of area and likely to reduce the quality of life for existing and future people who work and live in the area.

12. Thus we would ask the Mayor to consider a development more in keeping with similar areas such as Kings Cross that effectively ‘twins’ with Old Oak Common in terms of being located around a canal and railways, with a number of existing Victorian or early century warehouses that could be developed into studios, residential lofts and affordable office spaces and where there are a number of



traditional family communities with attractive and characterful Edwardian and Victorian architecture that should be retained for the welfare of existing residents and will add character to the area.

a. It should be noted that the area borders on the western boundaries of Ladbroke Grove/Notting Hill Gate and therefore renovating existing assets first and foremost could form a natural transition from communities around Little Wormwood Scrubs, North Pole and Barlby Roads into Old Oak Common. There is a heritage of ‘creativity’ in this area that must be retained. Point 28 must include Ladbroke Grove/Notting Hill Gate/North Pole Road area within the relationship.

b. In addition, this is one of the few areas in London where the open spaces, walks and wildlife reflect the natural ambiance of rural locations. Therefore, it is important to preserve the natural habitats in The Scrubs and along the canal. Note, this is one of the only stretches of the canal that has retained its personality and avoided sanitization and we would request that the integrity of the ‘natural’ feel is kept.

c. Importantly, we require assurance that existing communities will be preserved and that the Mayor will avoid ‘social cleansing’ of lower income households who have lived in this area for many generations.

d. Wells House Road, for example, has 45 houses (37%) occupied by people who have lived here longer than 25 years. At least 10 of these houses have been inherited from parents of residents - formerly being the family home - and many extended family members are dispersed in homes throughout the street. At least seven of these houses are families that are included in the 25-year residency and are now currently caring for their elderly parents. Currently, few residents look to outside help or the welfare system for their needs. There is a strong sense of community that residents would like to preserve. These are good working class Londoners who have worked hard all their lives and who deserve to retain their quality of life.

e. Hilltop Works on the corner of Wells House Road and Old Oak Common Lane is an old furniture warehouse that is currently being restored for residential use. We would suggest that this is used as a benchmark for the style and character of the development.

f. Similarly, Transport for London (TLF) have suggested the renovation of Acton Wells Signal Box behind Wells House Road and have recognized this as a local landmark.

g. Consideration could also be given to restoring the lighthouse on the corner of Wells House Road.

h. In the wider area, to include Park Royal, there are a number of small businesses, many owned by ethnic minorities and also a number of



creative industries, such as prop houses for films. Provision is required to retain these businesses in the mix and for further affordable workspace to be provided.

i. Affordable housing is also a requirement and ‘affordability’ needs to be clearly defined by income level. The development must include housing for low and mid-level income groups, i.e. households with under £50k per annum income.

j. There is a concern that the development will satisfy the trend for foreign investors, rather than addressing the requirement for housing for people who currently live and work in London. It is important to ensure that everything that is built genuinely serves a purpose for Londoners and not for developers or foreign investors.

13. Importantly, we question the need for further intensity of the density of developments in London (Paragraph 2.62 and 2.85). Instead we suggest that other areas are explored for densification in the suburbs or around the M25 corridor for housing and business expansion where business parks are already located. Aside from finance, retail and service industries, the trend is for industry to move out of city centres. Thus the MDC is adding to the already overstretched resources and infrastructure of London through encouraging an increase in the population. Surely, the transport focus should likewise be on improving commuter services to the commuter belt. We refer the Inspector’s to the current discussions over London’s long term infrastructure requirements between the Mayor and neighbouring boroughs , and would submit that the proposal to intensify development within London is premature, pending these discussions.

14. In terms of the construction period, the impact is likely to be extreme on existing residents and local businesses. We are not satisfied that the Mayor has a plan as to how these effects will be mitigated, and insist that for the DFALP to comply with its own statutory requirement to not act to the detriment of the health of Londoners, a detailed plan on this be indicated, including:

a. Property compensation. Due to the plans for HS2 and The London Plan, homes in the area are already blighted. Currently, a 3-bedroom Edwardian House with a garden can be purchased for around £400,000 in Wells House Road. This is between 25-50% of the value of similar homes in the area. Currently, residents cannot afford to move even if they wished to. A full plan for property compensation needs to be put together and should build of the failings of the HS2 consultation process.

b. We would also like to understand the impact of air and ground pollution from the construction phase and noise and sound. Again, provisions need to be made for mitigating the effects, including sound proofing and providing air purifying systems for local residents’ homes. We note that



there has been no amendment to these policies (Policy 7.14 and 7.15; 5.18 and 5.20) to address these issues, which will escalate in importance with the additional OAs, increased targets for housing and employment across London Boroughs and OAs, and Mayoral Development Corporations. The Mayor’s 2011 commitment to promulgate Best Practice Guidelines on Construction Waste (paragraph 7.49) has not been carried through. Furthermore, we suggest that London Boroughs, all planning authorities (including HS2) and Mayoral Development Corporations need DIRECTION and not guidance on air quality and noise during construction given the scale of developments this FALP is proposing.

c. Furthermore, we have significant concerns regarding the increased flows of traffic – both construction and other – in the area during a development of this scale. We would like to see a strong commitment in the OA description here to close working with local communities to ensure the livability of the neighbourhood during the course of these developments. When roads have been closed around this area previously (e.g. during the 2012 Olympics) the increase in traffic had a serious adverse effect on usually quiet side roads, local mobility and quality of the local environment.

d. Lastly, residents are reliant on local transport, such as the 228 bus and we need to understand what provisions will be put in place to ensure that local services continue to run throughout the construction period and that alternative provisions are made in times of disruption or closure.

e. The map below is an indication of just some of the impact from HS2 on Wells House Road, which is to be surrounded by HS2, Crossrail and station development programmes. We have currently been classed as having only moderate risk of being affected by HS2 – which reflects the failings of the current consultation process guiding the developments underpinning this Mayor’s Plan for London.



15. The negative impacts on local communities of these large scale developments both during construction and on completion potentially undermines The Mayor’s policies about improving life for Londoners. We recently interviewed local residents to understand the type of impact these developments would have on their lives and these include (see Appendix 1 as examples of the types of impact from this type of development on residents in Wells House Road):

a. Disruption to transport and roads through development would isolate residents and cut them off from or increase their travel time to access schools, hospital, doctors, churches shops, green space and work.

b. Many elderly and disabled rely on transport from outside the road to take them to these places and it is likely there will be times when bus routes are diverted.

c. Several people with health problems, such as one man with a heart monitor connected to Hammersmith Hospital and another young man on kidney dialysis who moved to Wells House Road to be close to his specialist at Hammersmith hospital. People like these men’s lives depend on fast access to emergency services that will be hard to reach during construction.

d. At least one resident suffers from emphysema and several are asthmatic. The increase in air pollution will be a threat to their lives.

e. Wells House Road houses many tradesmen, such as plumbers and builders who own vans and rely on the roads to visit their customers. Their income will be affected by increased congestion on the roads in the area.

f. Elderly people in Wells House Road who have 3 generations of family living in their home or in other homes in the street who rely on family and the community as their main caregivers. If they lose their homes, they will lose their care.

16. Consultation Processes: Overall, in pursuing an OA and MDC in Old Oak Common and Park Royal, we believe The Mayor must explore learnings from the HS2 consultation process that has lacked transparency and caused friction and frustration with local communities. Their process, or lack of, has resulted in considerable pushback, activism and delay to the HS2 development. We suggest that:

a. A full and transparent consultation process is set up to allow for community engagement in developments across London. This should be in line with the localism agenda and reflect the Mayor’s commitments to community participation in local planning (Policy 7.1) This should operate during the planning preparation process, keeping communities fully



informed and benefitting from their extensive local knowledge..

b. More detail is added to Chapter 8 to address the current lack of commitment to inclusive consultation processes for MDCs and OAs. Specifically to:

i. Clarify the groups involved in point 8.2 – particularly who will be included in terms of ‘voluntary and community sector groups’

ii. Provide more detail on how the Governance of the OAs and MDCs will be structured during construction and after completion.

iii. Ensure that The Mayor’s commitment to ‘localism, providing an evidence base and framework for more local decisions to be made’ in 8.3 will be enforced. This currently seems at odds with the imperious tone and content of this document.

iv. Outline the processes for accountability for developers, investors and local planning authorities to ensure that Londoners are at the heart of the realization of the Vision.

v. Reinforce The Mayor’s commitment in 8.5 to allowing the existing community to “shape and develop neighbourhoods”.

c. A funded organization, independent of the MDC, is set up with immediate effect to represent local residents, communities and businesses throughout the process and to act as the main liaison with the MDC.

d. This body should be involved throughout the planning, development and construction period and run regular community forums and meetings with local representatives.

e. In addition, it would also be responsible for communications with local communities and engagement with local councilors and MPs.

f. Community leaders, such as representatives of residents, community, local business and religious groups would be actively involved in this body on a day-to-day basis and would attend regular meetings with the MDC.

g. We would also request that the MDC retains existing MPs and Councillors within the governance that are familiar with the area and local residents.

h. Given the significantly expanded scope of development planned in the current DFALP (paragraph 2.6), Policy point 2.13 should be rewritten to specify the consultation process and nature of partnership arrangements to include strong community involvement in Opportunity Area planning and in Mayoral Development Corporations. Currently Policy 2.13 does not specify the Mayor acting transparently in terms of informing or consulting local communities about Opportunity Areas, but suggests that he will “provide proactive encouragement, support and leadership for



partnerships preparing and implementing opportunity area planning frameworks to realize these areas growth potential”. We recommend on the basis of our experience that the Mayor needs to revisit these commitments to ensure his wider statutory obligations (to social and environmental as well as economic needs of Londoners) and suggest rewording to indicate that “… the Mayor will work closely with agencies, authorities and local communities and business via a community engagement consultation process” and specify what format this will take.

i. Overall, the MDC will respect and take into consideration the needs of the existing communities that reside and work in the area.

Recommendations:

1. For a community engagement consultation to be put in place that is transparent and responsive. This should include regular community forums, communications designed to be inclusive and understood by all, including people with language and learning differences, those (including the elderly) who are not online, people with disabilities who cannot attend meetings, etc. Within this, we require an independent body or committee that will act as mediators between the MDC and the community.

2. We require our current representatives, such as our MP, Angie Bray and Ealing Councillors to be part of the consultation process and actively engaged with the MDC on the development of Old Oak Common.

3. This will clearly state the terms of property compensation and mitigation for the impact of construction.

4. In addition, clarity is required as to the suite of services and amenities that will be required, to include schools, hospitals, doctors and dentists, places of worship, children's and youth spaces, community centres, day care centres for the elderly, retail and transport.

5. A detailed proposal to be circulated to all residents and existing businesses for the development of Old Oak Common area, to include a set of objectives and evidence to support the scale of the development.

6. For The Mayor to allow the residents and businesses to input into the development of the character of the Opportunity Areas – to build on the strengths of the existing historical and social heritage of the area and building on its strengths. A sympathetic approach to the development of the Opportunity Areas will go down in history as an enhancement to London rather than revaluing it. This would also mean more diverse kinds of neighbourhoods across London, as well as diversity within neighbourhoods, both of which are great strengths of London which The Mayor celebrates. For Old Oak, the vision would have the character of the area at its core, i.e. urban, industrial, based around the canal, railways, natural green space around the canal and The Scrubs and the existing architecture – both commercial and residential properties. It would explore the history of Acton Wells with the



springs that formed a spa used by people across Europe in the 18th Century and it would build on the diversity of the existing social structure and communities that live and work in the area.

7. We therefore recommend point 27 is reworked to reflect characteristics of the development that will enhance the quality of lives for those living and working in the area and for West London as a whole, e.g.

a. Include a more realistic number of homes and businesses that allows a mix of low and high rise buildings

b. To include affordable business space for small business, such as creative industries, and thus retaining Park Royal for larger businesses

c. To focus on the residential needs, rather than positioning it as a “world business centre”

d. To reflect the preservation of the unique ‘natural’ green space such as the canal and The Scrubs

e. To replace the ‘high density development’ and ‘cluster of tall buildings’ wording with a more qualitative articulation that reflects the need for a quality of life

f. To reflect qualitative elements of the character of the development.

Appendix 1

Case Histories

Case history

Situation

1 Single mum with 7 year old twins at Dewent Water primary, W3. Works in Paddington and needs car to work and to get kids to school via East Acton. Kids’ only green space is Wormwood Scrubs. Dentist in Uxbridge Road

2 Elderly and both are disabled with difficulties traveling outside the home. Take mini-cabs everywhere. Shop Saturdays via minicab in E. Acton. Use Hammersmith Hospital. Road closure would mean can’t shop and cut off from hospital. Been in street for 40+ years and don’t want to move.

3 Elderly lady with arthritis and can’t walk far. She relies on 228 bus to shop in East Acton. She also goes for physio at pool and needs 228 bus. Been in the street for 40+ years and don’t want to move. Light sleepers. GP at White City and E. Acton – visit every 1-3 months. Prescriptions and dentist @ East Acton. Use Hammersmith Hospital. Road closure “Unimaginable. This is the only route to everything.”

4 Lives with her parents in 70’s – she is their carer. Father has walking disability and has disabled bay. She works. Light sleepers in family. She has a car. Takes 228 to E Acton and tube from there to work. Her mum uses 228 to grocery shop in East Acton. She drives there for shopping. Parents regularly go to medical appointments on 228 via East Acton. GP in Shepherds Bush; Hammersmith Hospital; prescriptions and dentist in East Acton. Impact: “Enormous. We’re down that way everyday. Impacts on doctor visits, picking up prescriptions and shopping. My father is diabetic and we need to pick up prescriptions regularly.”

5 “In terms of how the road closure would effect me:



*access to Wormwood Scrubs park - there are no other parks nearby. I can't walk him (large dog) on the lead around the streets for a year. As a big energetic dog he needs off-lead runs. I'd have to drive all the way around (which is going to be congested) and pay to park there (those pay & display machines are damn expensive too).*commuting to work - I either drive or cycle. Driving is going to take longer and be more congested with traffic being diverted. An added problem as I come home during my lunch break to check on Duke. Cycling I probably would have to give up as instead of a nice, safe-ish cycle along the cycle path around the back of the prison/hospital, I'd have to take the Harrow Road (eek!). *access to the tube - North Acton is a long walk (particularly to be doing late at night), and the walk from Willesden Junction isn't the nicest to do at night either but will be our closest option.

6 Male in 70’s, is now an invalid with a heart on 25% functioning. He can now only walk with a walking aid and are applying for a disabled bay. Rely on 228 for shopping in East Acton and for church. Everything they do is in/via E. Acton: GP, Hammersmith Hospital, Dentist, prescriptions, shopping, chiropodist, podiatrist (Shepherds Bush). They walk their dog on the Scrubs every day. His pacemaker is on a monitor from Hammersmith Hospital and if it should fail, they would immediately send out an ambulance. The road closure is life-threatening for him. Impact: “It would be like prison. We would be cut off, isolated and extremely scared. A delay with the ambulance could cost me my life.”

7 6 people in household. 2 grand kids at school (10 & 4) at John Perrins in East Acton. GP Western Avenue, Hospital = Hammersmith or Charing Cross; dentist, prescriptions and shopping all in East Acton. Church = St Adins in East Acton. Husband diabetic and needs regular doctor and prescriptions. Impact: “Difficult and worrying, especially for shopping and long distance travelling. Also for children’s travelling to school and our church.”

8 We have not spoken to them because they are severely disabled. He is on dialysis

9 Teenage daughter starting at college this year and needs central line from E Acton. Also goes out late and requires night buses that come into E Acton. Area dangerous at night and would require cabs home. Single mother, often works late and gets to work in Battersea via 228 to either E Acton or Willesden Junction … and often takes car. Groceries done in Shepherds Bush or Notting Hill via East Acton. Hospital is Hammersmith, doctor East Acton (moving to), dentist West Kensington. Mother had TB as a baby and has continual lung problems caused by pollution or dust. Impact: “I don’t think we could function without Old Oak Common Lane. I would be concerned about my daughter’s safety having to travel via N. Acton or Harlesden. She would be traveling through dangerous areas. She is also scared about walking through the tunnel that will be built – the bridges are bad enough. I also don’t know how I’ll get to work. It already takes an hour and this could mean 1.5 hours each way or more. The overground continually has signal failures and there simply would be no other way of getting there. Traffic in the area would be gridlock and the noise and dirt of construction will be hell for all of us.”

10 Gets to work via East Acton. Drives to E Acton for shopping. Uses surgery on Weston Avenue and Hammersmith Hospital. Has monthly visits to GP. “Strong impact. Increasing my commuting time considerably.”



11 Couple with 3 year old child at nursery at Tickeltums on Du Cane Road. Light sleepers. Again uses Westway Surgery and chemist next to it. Uses St Thomas’ hospital and Iceland East Acton. Uses car and 228 but everything she does requires Old Oak Common Lane to East Acton. To get her daughter to nursery every day (she’s a working mum), would need to go up to Willesden Junction, Tubs Lane, Harrow Road, down Scrubs lane and back along Du Cane Road. Impact: “It would completely isolate us and would cause a major problem taking and collecting my daughter from her nursery school. We would also no longer have access to any local shops or the tube station”

12 8 people living in household – several generations with children from 6 months – 20 years old. Disabled baby (downs syndrome) and with breathing difficulties requires 24-hour care. Carers come out on night visits – via East Acton. Asthmatics and light sleepers in family. Some children at schools in White City, Old Oak Primary, William Morris, etc. – all needing access via East Acton. GP, shopping, dentist, prescriptions are all in East Acton. They use Hammersmith hospital. 228 bus and buses and tube from East Acton are essential for school and access to everything in their lives. Impact: “We use East Acton everyday for shopping and schools. The road closure would make life even more complicated and difficult.”

13 They have 3 children from 8-16, all at school in Chiswick School. Father suffers from severe arthritis and has a disabled parking bay. He cannot walk to East Acton and needs to either take bus or car there. Some asthmatics in family who will suffer from dust. Also father is a very light sleeper and the noise will be a big issue for him. Uses 228 and 272 to get to work via East Acton – or car the same way. School – kids get bus via East Acton – and it already takes an hour each way. GP Western Avenue, dentist, shopping and prescriptions East Acton. Impact: “It will paralyse us. We will not be able to cope if there is no road access to Old Oak Common. My children study in Chiswick School. If Old Oak Common Lane closes, it will be impossible for them to travel. It would take them 2 hours each way. My youngest son is at Berrymede Primary School. It will be disastrous for us to take him to school. We would need to be re-housed while the road closes.”

14 Lives with disabled mother of 84. She spends much time in a nursing home. He is severely mentally impaired and before his mother was taken away, she was his carer. No access to internet and not able to absorb information. His doctor visits once a week and takes him to his surgery in Shepherds Bush for some kind of therapy. This is someone who is extremely vulnerable and really cannon take in the impact of what is happening in his life. He also has a big dog he walks on the scrubs and goes to East Acton for the dog food. His hospital is Hammersmith, dentist in East Acton, prescriptions in W12 near doctor, uses 228 bus. Impact: “My doctor wouldn’t come and there is no other road to the park.”

15 Three adults in the household, all working, including doing shift work. One owns a car and travels to work via Old Oak Common Lane and the others use the 228. Makes frequent visits to the GP at Old Oak Road and to Hammersmith hospital (at least weekly).

16 Opera singer who tutors opera students from home, she chose her house because it was both affordable and silent. The development and road closure would limit access to her house and therefore damage her income. In addition, when she is performing, she returns late at night and the road closure would



make returning home impossible.17 1 elderly adult and his adult grandchild who is his carer. He has a pacemaker.

The grandchild goes to work on the 228 bus but he also has a car. They go shopping in Iceland and are concerned that if the road closed they would have to go to Asda, which would take much longer. The old man goes to Central Middlesex hospital but will have to go to Hammersmith when it closes.

18 2 adults and 2 children in the household. They own a car and go shopping at Asda, Iceland and Homebase in E Acton. They use the bus and tube via E Acton to get to work. They are concerned that the road closure will put extra time on their journey’s, which would impact on their income.

19 Elderly man living alone with his dog. He is retired and drives most places but he also uses the 228 bus. He daily routine is walking down to E Acton to get the paper and walking his dog in the Scrubs. His GP is in Uxbridge Road and he visits Hammersmith hospital ‘often”.

20 Three adults in the household: a father, daughter and daughter’s son. The father is taken out in the daughter’s car as he can’t walk far. He uses Hammersmith hospital frequently. They have a disabled badge for the car. The daughter works part time and the son full time. They use the 7 bus to get to work. The brother visits from Wembley and takes the 228 and walks

21 A couple with 2 children aged 7 and 5 who take the bus or are driven to St Stephen’s CofE school in Shepherds Bush. They do shift work, one travels by car and the other by bus and tube. They use the car to shop at Asda and Tesco. One has diabetes and they use the Acton health centre and Charing Cross or Chelsea & Westminster hospital every month. “The cost of petrol would be crippling to our already tight budget and the time factor would be impossible to work out.”

22 Older, lives alone and does shift work. He suffers from asthma and diabetes so makes frequent trips to his GP in Chiswick, which he can only access via E Acton on the 228 bus or walking. He also uses the 7 and 72 busses. He takes the central line to work so walks to E Acton station and shops in E Acton village. “I often have need of a stick to walk, so proposed tunnel would not be safe for an older man such as myself”.

23 3 adults in their 20s, all working. They are renting so don’t expect to be in the street for long.

24 Both retired. Own a car. They have lived in the road for about 40+ years and have no internet connection. They also do not have children to help them. Joyce is unable to walk as she has vasculitis, breathing problems and depression. She uses a wheel chair. They take the 228 to Iceland in East Acton. Their GP and dentist are in E Acton and they go to Hammersmith hospital. One of them is asthmatic and they are concerned about the air quality. They say the road closing would be catastrophic for them as they would be cut off from shopping, medical needs and the bus. “I couldn’t manage”.

25 Elderly woman with arthritis, walks with a stick. She does shift work and uses the 228 or the Central Line from E Acton to get to work. Her doctor and dentist are in E Acton and she goes to the hospital in Du Cane Road. She has help from a Home Help for cleaning and shopping. “My life would come to a standstill.”

26 Goes uses the 228 to get to East Acton station to go to work. He also regularly takes his car to the shops. His doctor is in East Acton and also picks up



prescriptions from the chemist there. Impact: “Total inconvenience. I need at least to be able to walk to East Acton”

27 An elderly couple who have been married for 50 years and have lived in the house since 1967. They are regular churchgoers and get there by bus. She works part time as a cleaner in the convent in Harlesden and travels to work by car. They use the 228 frequently.

28 3 adults and one 8 year old child in the household. The child goes to John Perrin primary school. One member of the household has poor mobility and the house has been fitted with mobility aids. A physiotherapist and other home-helpers visit weekly. Two people work, and they travels to work by car via E Acton. Their GP, who is visited aprox 3x per month is in Chiswick and they make visits to Hammersmith and Charing Cross hospitals up to twice a week.

29 There are 8 people in the household: 5 adults and 3 children aged 6, 3 and 2. The elder child goes to John Perrin School. Three of the adults work full time, travelling either by the 72 bus or car. They have been in the house for 4 years and do not plan to move.

30 Three adults in household: parents and their grown up son who works full time. The parents are retired and the mum has difficulty walking and uses a walking stick. They have been in the house for 40 years and are regular church goers, travelling on the 228 bus to St Aidan’s Church in E Acton every week. The son works full time and uses the 228 or 7 bus. He also owns a car.

31 Lives alone and is disabled so can’t walk to the shops. Her son visits and does everything for her. Her GP is in E Acton, which is also where she picks up prescriptions and she goes to Charing Cross Hospital. If the road closed she would be left stranded because her son would have to make a huge circuit to get to her and the traffic would be bad from Northolt.

32 5 people in the household: a mother and two sons, one married and one at college, and two children, one 16 and one an infant. The 16 year old goes to Acton High School. Two of the adults work full time and one part time as she is semi-retired. They have been in the house for 30 years and are not planning to move. They use the 228 and 72 to get to work and the 266 to go shopping one of them has a car.

33 Mother and son in the household. The son is a part time student and works part time and the mother doesn’t work. Mrs Noor has a daughter who visits frequently and acts as her carer. The son uses the 228 bus and the family GP is in Acton. They do not have a car.

34 There are four young people in the household, three of whom are students and three who also work. The students do shift work. One owns a car. They use the 228, 7 and 72 busses as well as the circle line from E Acton.

35 This house is let and the landlord has not had any communication from HS2. He would not be able to retain or replace tenants with the noise, pollution and lack of transport. This man is close to retiring and the rental of this property is his income. On hearing that the road was scheduled to close he said: “OH Christ, that would be terrible. It would be a disaster. My house is on top of the tunnel and I would lose my tenants.”

36 Four working people in the household. Own a van and travel along Old Oak Common Lane in both directions to get to work and go shopping. Their GP is in East Acton.



37 Three adults and three children in the household. The children are aged 15, (at Acton High School), 3 (at John Perrin) and an infant. Two of the adults are brothers who work full time, one working shifts late at night. The other adult is a pensioner and has dementia. Her sons are her carers. Both brothers own a van and they also use the 228 and 268 bus to get to work and shopping. The children walk and catch the bus to school.

38 Three adults in the household, one working part time and one working full time. One suffers from arthritis. Two own cars and they use the tube, bus and car to get to work, shopping etc.

39 Five adult family members in the household, one of which works full time. The elderly mother has heart and lung problems and diabetes and uses a wheelchair. Her children act as her carers. They have been in the house 18 years and are planning to stay. They son cycles to work and they use the 228 to go shopping. The GP is in E Acton and they use Hammersmith hospital

40 We are also aware of a man who is thought to be around 90 who was the victim of squatters a year or so ago. He lives alone, has no relatives in England and doesn’t appear to have electricity or sanitation in his house. He is extremely nervous about communications with other people, albeit we have tempted him to attend our residents meetings and a couple of neighbours keep an eye on him. He does not seem to understand the impact of the development but I know that he relies on East Acton for all his needs.

41 A young man of 21 who is a housing association resident in Wells House Road had a kidney transplant 7 months ago. His consultant at Hammersmith hospital is considered the best in his field. As a renter, he had not previously been concerned by issues around the development, but this news has affected him deeply. He has regular visits to the hospital and his consultant and needs to be as close to it as possible in case of an emergency. He simply would not be able to find alternative housing close to Hammersmith Hospital within his price range.



wells house road response to london plan 080404 - just web viewprovision of public transport...

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