Supplementary Heritage Appraisal Syon & Osterley Parks February 2017 Prepared by Montagu Evans
All Ordnance Survey Plans are Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Licence Number: 100007624 Copyright 2017. All worldwide rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retreval system or transmitted in any form by any other means whatsoever: i.e. photocopy, electronic, mechanical recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. Any enquiries should be directed to: Montagu Evans LLP 5 Bolton Street London W1J 8BA. Tel: +44 (0)20 7439 4002 Fax: +44 (0)20 7312 7548
CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 6 2.0 SYON PARK 10 Description, Significance and Setting Visual impact analysis 3.0 OSTERLEY PARK 18 History, Description, Significance and Setting Visual Impact Analysis 4.0 CONCLUSION 28
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1.0 // Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks Introduction
6 Introduction 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This report is prepared in response to questions raised by Historic England in relation to the emerging proposals at land south of Gillette Corner (the Site ). The application comprises: Redevelopment of the Site to provide a mixed-use building with heights between 4 and 11 storeys and including 3 basement levels, comprising up to 102 residential units (Use Class C3), office (Use Class B1) and self-storage uses (B8), car and bicycle parking, hard and soft landscaping with all necessary ancillary and enabling works. 1.2 Historic England has asked whether the development could be seen from either of these historic landscapes: the grade I registered Syon Park and the grade II* registered Osterley Park. Both were considered as part of the initial appraisal and the submitted HTVIA accompanying the application contains a verified view towards the site from the principal lawn to the west of Syon House. Views from Osterley Park were not included, as we considered the separating distance (over 1km) was considerable in an urban context. In forming this view we also took into account mature landscaping and vegetation, and interposing development. 1.3 Notwithstanding the above, we have undertaken further work to assist Historic England and the Council in their consideration of this important matter, and so have prepared this short report to provide a considered and comprehensive response to the questions raised by Historic England. For completeness, therefore, Section 2.0 of this report assesses potential views from Syon Park, whilst Section 3.0 considers Osterley Park. We present our conclusions in Section 4.0. 1.5 For the avoidance of doubt, the report finds that the proposals do not cause harm to the significance of the highly graded assets of Osterley and Syon Parks. Although both will experience a minor change to one part of their wider setting, the distance over which views of the proposed development will be obtained, combined with the glimpsed, fleeting, and low-status nature of the views, means that the visual impact of the proposed development will be either nil or negligible. 1.4 In conducting our assessment, we have used the clock tower of the listed Gillette Building as a relative visual guide to inform the approximate location and height of the proposed development (the proposed development is c.9m lower than the Gillette clock tower in relative terms). Our identified potential viewpoints, therefore, are based on the visibility of the clock tower and the nature of its appearance in the view. Figure 1.2 provides a viewpoint plan, which shows the approximate locations of the visual impact analysis photographs included within this report. Figure 1.1 Aerial view of the application site in relation to Syon and Osterley Parks Montagu Evans LLP 2017 Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks
INDICATIVE VIEWPOINT PLAN Application Site 1. Lime Avenue, west of Syon House, Syon Park (Viewpoint 8 of the submitted HTVIA) 2. Park Road, Syon Park 3. South Avenue, Osterley Park 4. Osterley Lane, Osterley Park 5. North of Osterley House, Osterley Park 4 5 3 1 2 CHARTERED SURVEYORS Location: Gillette South Date: February 2017 Scale: NOT TO SCALE Figure 1.2 Indicative Figure: viewpoint plan showing the approximate locations of the viewpoints assessed. North 5 BOLTON STREET, LONDON W1J 8BA T: 020 7493 4002 F: 020 7312 7548 www.montagu-evans.co.uk
8 Introduction Montagu Evans LLP 2017 Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks
2.0 // Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks Syon Park
10 Syon Park 2.0 SYON PARK Description, Significance and Setting Description 2.1 To the south east of the application site, at a distance of approximately 750m, lies the grade I registered Syon Park. The Park, which also forms part of the Buffer Zone of the Kew Gardens World Heritage Site, was designated in October 1987. It is subject to a recent (2000) and detailed list entry, which provides a description and account of the historic development of the gardens and parkland. 2.2 The Park, part of the Duke of Northumberland s estate, comprises approximately 80 ha, bounded to the north-west by London Road (A315), whilst residential and industrial development form its northern boundary (Figure 2.1). It is a largely level site with a gentle downwards slope towards the River Thames, which forms its eastern boundary. The Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew lie approximately 250m to the east. 2.3 The Park contains a number of listed buildings, including the Grade I listed Syon House, its gate lodges, stables, and associated ancillary structures. A viewer enters the Park from the south west, along Park Road, a two-way tarmac road which largely follows the line of an avenue recorded on 18th century plans (Figure 2.2). A pedestrian path runs parallel to this road under the tree cover to the south. Park Road became the main entrance to the Park in the late 20th century, when Lion Gate, from London Road, was permanently closed. The focus of this approach is to the north-east, where glimpsed views to the lodges of Syon House can be obtained. 2.5 The Parkland to the west of Syon House, which comprises that part of the RPG closest to the application site, is dominated by Brown s second piece of water (the first being the Serpentine River in the pleasure grounds to the northeast), with a c. 1827 iron bridge by Charles Fowler, listed grade II. Significance 2.6 The considerable significance of the park therefore derives primarily from its historic value, and in particular, from the survival of much of the landscape associated with Capability Brown, one of the most prominent landscape architects of the 18th century. Aesthetically, the parkland, which is situated between the grade I listed Syon House and London Road, is important for its retention of historic landscape features, such as Brown s lake. 2.7 Remnants of the pre-brown landscape also survive, and are of considerable historic value. These include the early 18th century avenue of double limes, retained and utilised by Brown as the principal approach to the house, which also serves to create impressive views from the front of the grade I listed Syon House towards Brown s second piece of water in the west of the park. Figure 2.1 Aerial view of Syon Park, showing its urban setting to the north, west and south 2.4 The parkland was given its present form in the mid-18th century; previous to this the land comprised a series of fields and meadows. In the 1750s, the formal seventeenth century gardens at Syon Park and the surrounding landscape were redeveloped by Lancelot Capability Brown, who was responsible for extensive planting and the landscaping of the parkland. To the north and east of Syon House the principal part of the pleasure grounds, which replaced the formal 17th century gardens in this location, were created. Brown s interventions are shown on the OS map of 1864-65, which also illustrates the loss of much of the avenue lining Park Road by this period (Figure 2.3). Figure 2.2 Figure 2.2 John Roque map of 1746, showing the structure of Syon Park. A tree-lined avenue is shown in the location of the current Park Road. Montagu Evans LLP 2017 Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks
Syon Park 11 Setting 2.8 Syon Park s location within Hounslow means that is situated within a highly developed urban setting. Its proximity to the Great West Road (c. 550m at its nearest point) means that a viewer is aware of this wider setting both aurally and visually, through traffic noise and glimpsed views of numerous commercial, industrial and residential units located outside the park, which break the treeline at the edge of the park. 2.9 Notwithstanding the above, the landscaped nature of the boundary treatment to the edges of the park means that during the summer months, dense planting and mature trees screen nearly all views in and out of this area. Whilst trees are in leaf, the primary sense is one of enclosure, with indirect, glimpsed views of townscape features beyond. In winter months, the urban setting of the park is more noticeable, with filtered views development of differing ages, uses, and quality obtained from the park to the north and west of the Syon House. Of particular prominence is GSK Brentford and the Great West Quarter development, including the 25 storey Urban Villa, although older development along the Great West Road is also visible. 2.10 This urban context is reinforced by the park s location on the Heathrow flight path. The application site lies approximately 700m from the nearest point of Syon Park. Due this distance, as well as considerable interposing landscape and townscape elements, including road and rail infrastructure, there is currently no setting relationship between the vacant site and the park. Figure 2.3 Map of 1864-65, showing the park a century after its remodelling by Lancelot Capability Brown. The loss of the avenue lining Park Road and the reduction of the status of this route is evident. Source: National Library of Scotland Supplementary Heritage Appraisal February 2017
12 Syon Park Visual impact analysis 2.11 As set out in the Design and Access Statement prepared by Collado Collins, the proposed development has a maximum building height of eleven storeys. Viewpoint 8 within the HTVIA establishes that the proposed building does not appear within the significant planned view from the double avenue of limes from Syon House, and instead lies below the treeline to the north. For completeness, we reproduce this view at Figure 2.4 (View 1 on the indicative viewpoint location plan at Figure 1.2). 2.12 Distant views of the proposed development are likely to be obtained from the western part of Park Road. These views have been identified due to the glimpsed views of the Gillette clock tower currently experienced through the landscaped boundary at the edge of the park from this location (Figure 2.5 View 2 on the indicative viewpoint location plan). 2.13 Such views, which are obtained over a distance of approximately 1.25km, are filtered in character and are experienced as part of a kinetic sequence as a viewer enters the park and travels north-west along Park Road. The principal receptors of the view are likely to be vehicle users on Park Road and pedestrians using the path that runs alongside the walled garden to the south. There is no public access to the parkland to the west of the drive, which is fenced, and was in use at the time of our site visit for grazing. 2.14 As noted above, Park Road, which used to comprise a tree-lined avenue, was not the principal approach to the house in the 18th century (the house was approached from the north, where the park was entered at Lion Gate, proceeding up the double avenue of limes to the house). It was not, therefore, designed to provide the first experience of Brown s parkland and Syon House as one entered the grounds, and only adopted this status in the late 20th century. Notwithstanding this, a viewer s focus from this approach are the listed buildings associated with Syon House, which is positioned to the northeast of Park Road, at 90 degrees from the application site. The buildings which form the focal point in the view (principally the grade I listed lodges and Syon House Conservatory and the grade II listed former riding school), are experienced for much of this approach against a backdrop of modern development, including the Great West Quarter development (Figure 2.6). 2.15 In these long views towards the house from Park Road a number of other buildings along the Great West Road form glimpsed elements above the treeline, including above the line of the lime avenue (Figure 2.7). These include Great West House, as well as the developments along Harlequin Avenue, and the distinctive Homebase Tower which is also visible beyond the Park boundary. In winter, lower-rise development along the Great West Road is also visible, forming an almost continuous line of development beyond the park boundary. These filtered views to the surrounding townscape, combined with the aural effects of the Great West Road, the mainline railway and the flight path to Heathrow, mean that a viewer is highly aware of the Park s urban setting. 2.16 We consider, therefore, that although the proposed development will appear in part, and partly screened, in some views from parts of Syon Park to the surrounding townscape, the considerable distance of these views, combined with their filtered and kinetic nature, will mean that the proposals will not be intrusive. In relative scale terms, too, the development would not appear, where it does appear, as materially greater in height than the mature trees that are characteristic in the park. It would be lower than the Gillette clock tower to the west. The views towards the application site are not designed, and are not from an approach of any particular status in the 18th century, when the landscape took on much of its current form. 2.17 The pleasure grounds and gardens to Syon House, although not accessible at the time of the site visit, have also been considered. In our judgement the additional interposing densely-planted tree-belts dividing the pleasure grounds to the rear of Syon House with the parkland to the west will serve to limit views towards the proposed development. In particular, the tree-belt that runs parallel to Park Road will screen views that might otherwise be obtained towards the proposals from the land to the east. 2.18 The formal gardens are focussed to the north of the house, with enclosing mature trees to the west, and importantly, the grade I listed conservatory orients away from the application site. We do not consider, therefore, that the proposed development, which sits below the tree-line which viewed from the front of Syon House, would be visible from these areas. Figure 2.4 Viewpoint 8 of the submitted HTVIA, demonstrating that there is no visual relationship between the proposed development and the highly sensitive view down the double lime avenue to the west of Syon House. The proposed development is shown as a green wireframe. The roof profile of GSK Brentford is visible from this location above the treeline. 2.19 We conclude that the proposed development would lead to a minor change in Syon Park s wider townscape setting. For the reasons set out above, however, we do not find any harm arising from the proposals to the special interest of this highly graded asset. Montagu Evans LLP 2017 Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks
Syon Park 13 Figure 2.5 View towards the application site from Park Road, Syon Park (View 2 on the indicative viewpoint plan). This view is representative of those obtained towards Gillette Building clock tower as a viewer moves along this approach through the park. Other development along the Great West Road is visible in winter views along this approach, including the distinctive Homebase Tower and development at Harlequin Avenue. The arrow indicates the approximate location of the proposed development. Supplementary Heritage Appraisal February 2017
14 Syon Park Figure 2.6 Grade I listed Syon Lodges and Conservatory, seen in the approach from Park Road, now the principal entrance to the RPG. The Great West Quarter Urban Villa is seen behind the listed buildings, while further development along the Great West Road (Great West House) is also visible in filtered views through the historic lime avenue. The proposed development would not form part of this view. It is located away from the existing view axis. Montagu Evans LLP 2017 Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks
Syon Park 15 Figure 2.7 Panorama of Park Road, Syon Park, showing the extent of development visible through the landscaped boundary to the edge of the RPG in winter views, including the Gillette Building, Homebase Tower, GSK Brentford, Great West House and the Urban Villa, Great West Quarter Development.The arrow indicates the approximate location of the proposed development. Supplementary Heritage Appraisal February 2017
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3.0 // Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks Osterley Park
18 Osterley Park 3.0 OSTERLEY PARK History, Description, Significance and Setting History and Description 3.1 At its closest point, the grade II* listed Osterley Park is situated approximately 1.2km from the application site. The Park, which comprises circa 217ha, is structured around the mid-18th century Osterley House, which lies at its heart. The topography of the park is largely flat, with a slight slope downwards to the southwest, and it is dominated by three pieces of water: the Garden Lake, the Middle Lake, and the North Lake. The M4 runs through the northern part of the park, on an east-west axis, separating the RPG into two halves. 3.2 The park took on much of its current form in the mid-18th century, when the property was inherited by the prominent Child family. In 1752, Sir Francis Child employed Robert Adam (1728-92) to remodel the house according to the contemporary fashion. The replacement of the formal gardens (as shown on John Roque s map of 1746) with an informal park (as shown on the Enclosure Map of 1818), in the 1760s has been attributed to Mrs Robert Child and her steward. The 19th century saw extensive tree-planting, including both isolated groups of trees and considerable boundary planting. Parkland Structure 3.3 The 18th century structure of the RPG remains clearly legible. A contemporary aerial photograph (Figure 3.1) shows the designed core of the Park, comprising the pleasure grounds and gardens (approximately 8ha) surrounding the house and its ancillary buildings to the north, south and west. The pleasure grounds were separated from the parkland and home farm (Osterley Park Farm) to the west by fencing, whilst planting to the south and the Garden Lake to the east provided a clearly-defined boundary to the surrounding informal parkland and pasture, likely to have been historically used for grazing. This parkland was dominated by the three long, narrow lakes, which broadly extended in alignment north-east from the house. Figure 3.1 Aerial view of Osterley Park, showing its historic structure of pleasure grounds, parkland and surrounding farmland Montagu Evans LLP 2017 Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks
Osterley Park 19 3.4 The OS Map of 1864-5 demonstrates that historically, the approach to Osterley House was from the north, from points of access at either Wyke Green to the east or Norwood Green to the west (Figure 3.2). The approach from Wyke Green appears to have turned first to the north, then curved westwards between the Middle and North Lakes to approach the house by a circuitous route, enabling glimpsed views of the house across the lakes. The 1865 survey, which shows the approach, demonstrates that the structure of the parkland to the northeast of the house was designed to allow a long view towards the house across the Middle Lake from this location. The map shows that the parkland structure in this location enabled a long view towards the house across the Middle Lake to be obtained from this drive. 3.5 By 1896 the tree-lined South Avenue had been created in response to the proximity of the Osterley Park and Spring Grove Railway Station, located on Thornbury Road to the south of the RPG (Figure 3.3). This avenue, which is now double-lined with mature sycamore and oak trees, now operates as the principal approach to the house and park. To the east and west of the South Avenue, and continuing round to the west the RPG comprises farmed agricultural land, a use deriving from the Second World War use of parts of the park as allotments and for the production of beef cattle and hay. Large, open fields with some isolated trees characterise the parkland to the east, and are currently used for grazing. Public access to these parts of the RPG is restricted to footpaths between the fields. 3.6 The M4, which cuts across the park on an east-west axis, physically and visually separates the southern part of the estate from the land to the north. The motorway is also a dominant aural presence within the park. To the north of the road the RPG is primarily in use as agricultural land, with some 18th century landscape features retained. Significance 3.7 The considerable significance of Osterley Park derives principally from its historic value a surviving Georgian country estate within the heart of urban Hounslow. Described as the palace of palaces by Horace Walpole in 1773, the estate was transformed in the mid-18th century by the Child family as a show-piece in contemporary architectural fashion. The park and gardens, which survive as a designed landscape setting for the Robert Adam s grade I listed Osterley House, retain a number of historic landscape features, including the formal gardens and pleasure grounds in their parkland and farmland setting. The relationships between the country house, parkland and home farm are still clearly legible. Figure 3.3 1893-1894 OS Map, showing the establishment of the South Avenue. We highlight this in green. Figure 3.2 Osterley Park as surveyed in 1864-65. The approach from Wkye Green towards Syon House is indicated in green, whilst the historic vista towards the house from this approach over the Middle Lake is indicated by a blue arrow. Source: National Library of Scotland 3.8 Notwithstanding the above, the presence of the M4 motorway through the northern part of the park has harmed an appreciation of its significance. Its effect has been to curtail the parkland to the north of the house, and to introduce a visual and aural barrier dividing the house and pleasure grounds from its wider parkland setting to the north. Supplementary Heritage Appraisal February 2017
20 Osterley Park Setting 3.9 A number of open fields survive around the periphery of the RPG boundary, meaning that a portion of the parkland s original agricultural setting survives. Its wider setting, however, comprises the heavily built-up townscape of Osterley, Norwood Green, Heston and Hanwell. 3.10 Much of the park, therefore, is experienced in the context of an urban settlement edge, principally comprising two-storey interwar residential development. Whilst the western and northern edges of the park are characterised by landscape planting, the boundary treatment to the southern and south-eastern edges of the park is minimal, resulting in expansive views towards the settlement edge from within the RPG, and an abrupt change in character from the agricultural land within the RPG to the suburban character of Jersey Road without (Figure 3.4). Figure 3.4 Views from the National Trust walk in the southern part of Osterley Park, looking south towards the settlement edge along Jersey Road. The proposed development will not be visible in these views towards the southern settlement edge. Montagu Evans LLP 2017 Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks
Osterley Park 21 3.11 The flat topography of much of the park means that longer views out to the surrounding townscape are also common. From the estate walks promoted by the National Trust these are most prominent from the paths to the south and east of the RPG, where a number of taller buildings, including the Osterley underground station on the Great West Road form elements in the view. The flats at Wheatlands to the south west of the park form a prominent feature across the field to the west of the South Avenue (Figure 3.5). Further views out to the surrounding urban development are obtained from the drives within the outer parkland, including Osterley Lane. Figure 3.5 View from the field to the west of South Avenue looking west, where the residential development at Wheatlands forms a prominent element in the view. These views do not incorporate the application site. Supplementary Heritage Appraisal February 2017
22 Osterley Park 3.12 From within the gardens and pleasure grounds, a viewer s experience of the RPG is much more contained. Mature trees and planting screen the majority of views out from this designed core to both the wider parkland and the townscape beyond. 3.13 Notwithstanding this, parkland management works by the National Trust (ongoing at the time of writing) to restore the vista towards Osterley House shown on the historic maps, will result in the removal of a number of trees on the eastern bank of the Middle Lake. Although these works serve to restore the designed 18th century view towards the house from the northeast, the effect of the tree removal will inevitably be to create new views out across the parkland and towards the townscape beyond. Based on the findings of our recent site visit (3rd February 2017), these works have enabled views towards the 1930s residential development at Wyke Green, the small turbine located on Windmill Road, the roof profiles of buildings within the Sky Campus, and GSK Brentford, and the Gillette Building Clock Tower (Figure 3.6). The RPG is therefore clearly experienced in the context of the highly developed setting of urban Hounslow. 3.14 A viewer s experience of this wider urban setting is compounded by both the noise of the M4 to the north, and the park s location on the flight path to Heathrow. 3.15 Due to the distance and considerable interposing development between the RPG and the vacant application site, the site does not currently form part of the asset s setting. This relationship is likely to change due to the proposed development of the site. Figure 3.6 The roof of GSK Brentford as seen through the newly created tree-gap on the east bank of Middle Lake. The proposed development does not form part of this view, but appears as a glimpsed element as a viewer progresses northwards (as seen in Figure 3.9). Montagu Evans LLP 2017 Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks
Osterley Park 23 Visual Impact Analysis 3.16 Three potential views towards the proposals have been identified from within the RPG, informed by the presence of the Gillette clock tower in the existing view. We consider each in turn. They comprise: South Avenue Osterley Lane Northeast of Osterley House South Avenue 3.17 The proposed development is likely to be visible in glimpsed views from the South Avenue (Figure 3.7 View 3 on the indicative viewpoint location plan). The application site s location to the southeast of this approach means that the proposed development will be noticeable only as a viewer leaves the RPG, rather than in the approach to the house. As noted above, this drive, created in the late 19th century in response to the advent of the railway in Osterley, was not a historic entry point to the park. We consider, therefore, that it has less intrinsic historic value than those contemporary approaches designed as part of the 18th century remodelling of the house and grounds. 3.18 The nature of the views from this location will be fleeting in character, experienced as part of a kinetic sequence as a viewer moves south towards the park boundary. Views are heavily screened by the presence of two lines of mature oaks and sycamores, which also serve to reduce the likelihood of any uninterrupted, long views out of the park towards the development. 3.19 Where the proposed development will be visible, it will be experienced in the context of the settlement edge, which, as noted above, is particularly prominent in these views to the southern boundary of the park. The views occur at a point where a viewer is leaving the RPG and re-entering the city beyond, and we do not consider that glimpsed views of the proposals in this context would harm an appreciation of the special interest of the RPG. It will not be an intrusive feature or stand out relative to the parkland itself. Neither would anyone visiting the park be surprised to have some experience of the urban development outside it. It is urban parkland now, not parkland in open countryside. Figure 3.7 View towards the proposed development from the South Avenue (View 3 on indicative viewpoint plan). The arrow indicates the approximate location of the proposed development. Supplementary Heritage Appraisal February 2017
24 Osterley Park Osterley Lane 3.20 Glimpsed, heavily screened views of the proposed development may also be obtained from Osterley Lane, the historic approach leading from Wyke Green to Osterley House (Figure 3.8 view 4 on the indicative viewpoint location plan). Similarly, these views are experienced in the context of leaving the RPG and re-entering the city. The Gillette clock tower, which is the reference point for the view, lies to the left of the view axis created by the lane, and is almost entirely obscured by dense boundary planting. 3.21 It is important to note that these views are, again, experienced kinetically, and that the clock tower is visible only momentarily as a viewer progresses down the lane. Where it is seen, it is experienced in association with other development beyond the park boundary, including the garden centre and golf club, including a small turbine, along Windmill Lane. 3.22 It is clear, therefore, that the proposed development in this view will be heavily screened, and is likely to be entirely obscured when the trees are in leaf and filtered, appearing as a background shadow, during winter months, when there is generally a greater awareness of the surrounding urban development anyway. Due to the fleeting nature of the view and the distances involved, we consider that any visual impact arising in this location will be negligible. Figure 3.8 View towards the proposed development from Osterley Lane (View 4 on indicative viewpoint plan). The arrow indicates the approximate location of the proposed development. Montagu Evans LLP 2017 Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks
Osterley Park 25 Northeast of Osterley House 3.23 As described above, the current programme of tree-removal being undertaken by the National Trust will serve to increase views from the pleasure grounds north of Osterley House to the northeast. These works, designed to restore the lost 18th century view shown on historic plans, are clearly intended to enhance the viewing experience of Osterley House from Osterley Lane, which historically functioned as an impressive circuitous approach route affording glimpsed views of the house. 3.24 The proposed development will be a visible as an element of the wider townscape as a consequence of these works (Figure 3.9 - View 5 on the indicative viewpoint location plan). It does not lie within the axis of the view, however, but at an oblique angle, and will be visible only when a viewer occupies a specific point in the grounds to the north of the house, and orients due west. The development will therefore not be seen in conjunction with Osterley House, as a viewer has turn 90 degrees away from the house to experience it. Similarly, it will not be seen from Osterley House. The view is therefore momentary, as a few meters either to the north or south will produce a different views, and, coincidentally, will reveal the roof profiles of other taller buildings (including the Sky Campus and GSK) along the Great West Road. 3.25 Where the proposal will be visible, we note that it will be experienced in the context of the interposing two-storey residential development associated with Wyke Green, which becomes prominent at the edge of the RPG. It will sit beyond and below the listed Gillette clock tower, which will retain its prominence in the view. 3.26 For the reasons set out above, therefore, we do not consider that the fleeting view obtained from this location would have any harmful effect on the setting or significance of the RPG. The development will not be an intrusive or indeed even noticeable unless it is specifically sought out and even then its presence will be remote. Figure 3.9 View towards the proposed development from the north of Osterley House (View 5 on indicative viewpoint plan). This view has been created through the works being undertaken to restore the historic vista towards the Osterley House from the park. The arrow indicates the approximate location of the proposed development. Supplementary Heritage Appraisal February 2017
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4.0 // Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks Conclusion
28 Conclusion 4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 This report has considered the effect of the proposed development on the highly sensitive historic assets of Syon and Osterley Parks, in response to questions raised by Historic England. Whilst we find that both parks will experience a minor change to one part of their extensive wider setting, we conclude that the proposals do not cause harm to an understanding or appreciation of the significance of these assets. 4.2 The proposed development will only be visible from a very limited number of viewpoints within the parks. Where views are obtained, these are over considerable distances. 4.3 The nature of these views is coincidental. They are not experienced from planned viewpoints, and do not appear in conjunction with any designed features of historic importance, including either the grade I listed Syon and Osterley Houses. Although both parks do contain long, axial avenues and approaches, the proposed development does not appear in these historically sensitive viewing corridors, but instead, is located obliquely, either below the treeline or heavily screened by vegetation. 4.5 The proposed development will not, therefore, be experienced in isolation, but in the context the existing settlement edge and other taller development beyond the boundaries of the parks. In particular, it will be seen in association with (and lower than) the Gillette Building clock tower, by which the views have been identified. Therefore, in the existing views identified, a viewer already has a sense of the wider urban setting of the parks. 4.6 For the reasons set out above, therefore, we find that the proposals do not cause harm to the significance of the highly graded assets of Osterley and Syon Parks. Due to the distance, interposing vegetation and development, and the nature and status of the views, we consider that the visual impact arising from the proposals will be negligible. We conclude, therefore, that the proposals preserve the special interest of the grade I registered parks and gardens, and therefore comply with Section 66(1) of the 1990 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act, and meet the requirements of the relevant development plan policies and other material considerations. 4.4 All the views identified are fleeting in nature, and are experienced kinetically, as part of moving sequences. In Osterley Park, the views from the South Avenue and Osterley Lane are experienced in the context of leaving the RPG and re-entering the highly urban townscape beyond, in which views development beyond the park boundary is already visible. In Syon Park, the proposed development will be experienced as a minor element located obliquely to the view and as part of an approach sequence that incorporates the roof profiles and taller elements of other buildings along the Great West Road, including the Homebase Tower, GSK Brentford, and the Great West Quarter development. Montagu Evans LLP 2017 Gillette South: Syon and Osterley Parks
Conclusion 29 Supplementary Heritage Appraisal February 2017