Former Chiswick Police Station Set to Transform into Retirement Community Despite Community Objections

Plans to repurpose the vacant former Chiswick police station into a new retirement community have recently been recommended for approval. Birchgrove, a company known for managing similar sites, aims to convert the disused West London police station into 50 homes tailored for the elderly. Additionally, the proposal includes provisions for a community space and garden, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Despite Birchgrove's vision, the plans faced opposition, with over 30 objections raised against various aspects of the proposal. Concerns ranged from the proposed size of the development to potential impacts on daylight for neighboring properties, prompting a push for the scheme to be rejected.

The former police station has remained vacant since November 2021, with final approval for its sale granted by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime in June 2021. This decision marked one among many stations disposed of as part of a broader review of the Met Police’s estate.

According to Hounslow Council documents, Birchgrove actively marketed the former station from September 2021 to May 2022, yet no interest was expressed for its community use. Despite objections, council officers have recommended approval of the application, pending review by Hounslow Council’s Planning Committee on February 5th.

Support for the project has been voiced by groups such as Chiswick Flower Market, which has expressed strong support for the new use of the building. They believe that the retirement community will integrate older residents into the community fabric, offering easy access to shops and amenities along the High Road, including the markets.

Addressing the city-wide need for specialist homes for elderly individuals, Hounslow has a target of 135 new such homes per year, a goal it has struggled to meet since the adoption of the London Plan in 2015. The refurbishment of the former police station is viewed as a significant step towards bridging this gap.

Notwithstanding, the proposal has faced opposition from various quarters, including local resident groups and the Linden Gardens Residents Association. Concerns were raised about the scale and aesthetic appeal of the development.

Among the objectors were two Conservative councillors, Ranjit Gill and Joanna Biddolph, who highlighted the absence of affordable housing in the scheme. Despite this, Birchgrove intends to make a £400,000 contribution towards affordable housing provision elsewhere, a move that has garnered some appreciation.

Included in the plans is space for a community center, which will also cater to the needs of police officers by providing charging points for their equipment while on-site in Chiswick.

In recommending approval, council officers emphasized that the proposal aligns with the objectives of the Development Plan. They believe it will deliver much-needed extra-care housing for the elderly while optimizing land use and preserving the character of the Chiswick High Road Conservation Area.

Honor Barratt, Chief Executive of Birchgrove, expressed enthusiasm for the project after a two-year wait. Despite the challenges, Barratt acknowledges the invaluable input from the Linden Gardens residents, underscoring their role in shaping the development's progress.