I am a fierce campaigner for maintaining standards (From Your Local Guardian)

I am a fierce campaigner for maintaining standards

4:18pm Tuesday 17th February 2009 in Your Say

Sir – In reply to David Pavett and Ian Speed’s response to my letter regarding the Campion House development (Feedback, January 29) I wish to put a few things straight.

First of all what nonsense to claim that I would be annoyed at people in relatively well-off parts of the borough trying to preserve the quality and character of their area.

I lived for many years in St Paul’s Close, one of the prime residential roads in Hounslow, and still live a stone’s throw from there. I have had a privileged existence and am grateful for it.

Secondly, I did not suggest they should not try to protect their delightful part of the borough on the basis that some people are less well-off than others.

It was in their joint letter that Mr Pavett and Mr Speed made a connection with people less fortunate and standards.

I quote: “We suggest most people would want standards raised generally not the reduction of everything to its lowest common denominator.”

Should we read from the latter that this includes two-bedroom flats and those who live in them?

I note we still have these gentlemen standing by their assertion that a two-bedroom flat is not big enough to accommodate a typical family.

Dare I ask what their definition of a typical family is and how do they suggest families afford something larger in this area?

May I also point out I do not have a view that the protection of open spaces should be removed.

If Mr Pavett and Mr Speed could calm down their emotions and see beyond their assumptions they would realise I was merely pointing out that the support councillors are giving to the opposition to the current application and the grounds for that support, seems to be disproportionate to that of other developments.

One example was the building of housing on recreational areas on council estates.

I also pointed out the buy-to-let market was not confined to smaller properties and is on the increase, with larger houses becoming more popular for multiple occupancy.

Anyone who reads the local papers regularly will know I am acutely aware of the problems of inappropriate developments and will also be aware of my opposition to bad planning that has gone on in Hounslow and that I am a fierce campaigner for maintaining standards across the borough.

I wish Mr Pavett and Mr Speed all the best in getting the best result for themselves and their neighbours.

Something that has not been afforded to a large number of residents in the past.

Ian Westoll

Belgrave Road, Hounslow