Full steam ahead for Shepherds Bush Green
Friday June 10, 2011
It is full steam ahead with plans to redevelop Shepherds Bush Green after the Planning Inspectorate gave the green light for the council’s exciting scheme.
The news means that Hammersmith & Fulham Council can finally move ahead with plans to create two new play areas for children, plant more trees and improve routes across the Green for pedestrians and cyclists.
The verdict brings to an end several years of delays that has frustrated the council and held-up a plan to breathe fresh life into one of the borough’s most iconic open spaces.
Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for resident's services, said: "I am delighted that we can finally move ahead with this scheme which will undoubtedly benefit everyone who lives near, visits or works in and around Shepherds Bush, as well as rejuvenating a green space that needs a boost. It is frustrating that an expensive and lengthy public hearing was deemed necessary but we now look forward to starting on this exciting scheme.”
As the Green is Common land, in order to progress with the project, the council required the consent of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
DEFRA called for the public hearing after a small number of people complained about the original scheme.
The hearing was held at Hammersmith Town Hall last April, with everyone in attendance in agreement that a major refurbishment of the Green was vital in order for it to fulfil its potential.
Planning Inspector Barney Grimshaw approved the plans but told the council that they would not be able to go ahead with building a café on the Green or construct a mound of earth in the south west corner.