CHISWICK residents are set to turn out in force to a Planning Appeal Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 30 to try to persuade the Inspector to turn down the planned redevelopment of Gable House in Turnham Green Terrace.

Developers, Gort Securities, wish to increase the size of the existing Gable House, 18-28 Turnham Green Terrace, by adding an additional floor, enlarging the upper four floors and converting the property into 16 flats, but residents believe this will seriously impact on Turnham Green Terrace, the adjacent buildings and the townscape generally around Chiswick.

Sara Turnbull, a resident of Elliott Road, said: "The increased height of the building will impinge on the privacy of those living within its shadow. Car parking will also be exacerbated by the proposed change of use for the building with each of the 16 flats producing a potential of at least one or even two cars. On top of this the new design is not in keeping with the adjacent area and will stand out like a sore thumb."

The London Borough of Hounslow is recommending that "the scheme be refused on the grounds that the proposed residential development would result in the loss of an employment use within a town centre; the proposed development does not make provision for affordable housing; and the proposed development would result in overlooking and loss of privacy to nearby residential properties."

"Gable House is enough of an eyesore already, and this proposal will make it worse", said Anna Jackson, Chair of a local residents' association.

"We don't want a tall building, covered in louvred wood, blocking the light in Turnham Green Terrace. I hope the Inspector supports us and the Council, and refuses this Appeal."

The meeting begins at 10am at the Civic Centre on Lampton Road.