Topic: | Re:Re:New Putney Pier Extension Planning Application | |
Posted by: | Isabel Wooller | |
Date/Time: | 01/02/13 23:52:00 |
It's a tempting proposition, isn't it? Anyone could have a go and start submitting applications on the choicest stretches of the Thames. According to the planning application, the site in question is an area of 3,280 square metres. Part at least of the site belongs to the Port of London Authority (described as the owner on the application itself, Certificate B). On this large expanse the applicant proposes to place something which will look like permanent house boats (though they can technically be moved). The operative word here is "house". They will look like houses, act like houses and be in all respects houses - except they will go up and down with the tide. And if they go up and down with the tide, and can be towed on the water, then you can call them "vessels". And if you can call them "vessels", then you needn't treat them like what they are, i.e., houses. Would one ever get planning permission to plonk 10 or 12 semis on the embankment? I very much hope not. However, as the applicant helpfully explains on one of the supporting documents (Planning Application Supporting Statement – Residential Units), "This planning application is for the extension of Putney Pier to facilitate additional moorings. As the residential vessels and other visiting vessels are not permanent features and are free to come and go, the application does not intend to cover the vessels themselves as residential units". The PLA appears to be happy to play ball. So, H. Smith, here appears to be some Eldorado waiting. Find yourself a spot (upriver, towards Barnes?) and put in that planning application pronto before everyone else wakes up to this wheeze. I may be missing something here... Yes, the applicants own the existing pier - which as you have shrewdly spotted, is somewhat less in extent than 3,280 square metres. |