PLANS were put forward this week to turn the three storey building on 693 - 717 London Road in Hounslow into a community centre and place of worship.

The office block, which spans nearly three quarters of an acre has been vacant since March 2002, but planning permission has just been sought to change its use from sole office space to allow for a place of worship, community centre, library and office space.

A consultation process has already taken place, with over 50 local residents and businesses being consulted on their views about the project. A petition signed by 17 residents has been received stating the following objections to the project.

These included concerns about noise outside office hours and disturbance from cars leaving the centre late at night as the office was originally built with flats to the rear on Birch Close, as part of one development. Some of the bedroom windows of these flats therefore face the car park and there is concern that due to the varied nature of business meetings, working hours and prayer times, these residents could encounter noise disturbance during the night and early in the morning from car doors, engines starting and other general associated noises.

There were also anxieties over the fact that parking in Birch Close is limited for residents as businesses already park in the street and a place of worship could worsen the situation.

The final issue was regarding the potential increased congestion at the junction of Birch Close and Bridge Road.

However, if the application was to be approved, part of the planning obligations would include a financial contribution towards extending street parking controls, improving the pedestrian environment and traffic management in the area as well as towards employment training for Hounslow residents to offset the loss of an employment generating site. A Green Travel Plan and a management plan for parking on days of higher usage would also be required.