‘Our Sanctuary Has Been Threatened’: Chiswick Village Residents Decry Luxury Penthouse Development
Residents of a peaceful West London estate say their homes have been turned into a building site, with disruptive works underway to add a new floor of luxury penthouses directly above them. The community at Chiswick Village, comprising 15 blocks and roughly 280 flats, is up in arms over the project, which has led to water leaks, incessant noise, and pervasive scaffolding.
The development, led by London Penthouse Ltd in conjunction with landlord Colin Tett, has proven so disruptive that six flats have already been put up for sale. Many long-term residents claim they were kept entirely in the dark about the ambitious plans that now dominate their daily lives.
Daily Disruption and Community Outcry
One resident, who has rented in the blocks for over six years, told the Daily Mail, ‘I’ve lived here since 2019 and I hadn’t been informed about it at all.’ They cited the constant noise as a primary issue, alongside intermittent water supply problems.
The scale of the ‘restrictive’ works came as a shock to newer residents like Piyu Banerjee, who moved in just last weekend. She described the extensive scaffolding as not only ‘ugly’ but also ‘hazardous’, noting that builders can easily peer into her windows.
The situation is particularly galling for a young mother-of-three who recently purchased a top-floor flat, believing she had found a light-filled family home. The new construction directly above her has not only created relentless noise but has also reportedly devalued her property.
Developer Response and Fire Safety Fears
In response to the backlash, London Penthouse Ltd has pointed to a dedicated section on the Chiswick Village website for development updates. Joe Griffin, the company's Managing Director, stated in an email that they have made a ‘real effort to foster a good working relationship’ and wished to avoid an ‘us and them’ mentality.
However, beyond the daily inconvenience, a more profound fear is spreading through the blocks: fire safety. Once completed, the development will push Chiswick Village's height to over 11 metres, bringing it under the scope of the Building Safety Act 2022.
This legislation, introduced after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, mandates strict requirements for high-rise buildings, including fire doors, sprinkler systems, and clear evacuation routes. Residents are claiming that many of these crucial safety standards are not being followed.
A Community Fighting for Its Home
Martin Weaver, 65, the Chairman of the Chiswick Village Residents Limited, has borne the brunt of the complaints. Having lived in the village since 1988, he lamented, ‘Our sanctuary has now been threatened and we’ve got no protection whatsoever.’ As someone who works from home, he finds the noise levels already intolerable.
The directors of Chiswick Village and Hounslow Council have been approached for comment as residents continue their fight for peace, safety, and the preservation of their community.
