POSITION STATEMENT OF THE CHELSEA BARRACKS ACTION GROUP

Heights and design
We would emphasise that the buildings should be no higher than the 3-4 stories of the demolished barracks and the only location that we would accept slightly higher buildings would be overlooking the Ranelagh Gardens of the Royal Hospital Chelsea where resident's light will not be affected.

Avoid planning of the site with massive, out-of-scale, tightly-packed repetitive blocks which violates the grain of the surrounding area.

Style
The architecture should be sympathetic to the neighbouring Belgravia Conservation Area and the mid 19th century Victorian buildings which have their own charming features in Ebury Bridge Road. What is most important is that whatever is built there must be in context and scale. The design should act as an extension of the established areas not as a barrier to it.

Encourage the use of local materials, building methods and details as a major factor in enhancing local distinctiveness.

Avoid using overtly Modernist buildings contrasting with new Traditional Architecture.

Traffic and parking
We would like to see streets and squares and gardens which are so indicative of this part of London and will reduce the impact of extra traffic and parking on the area as well as providing open space and gardens

Green open space
We would welcome a park as there is only Ranelagh Gardens nearby. We need open space in Westminster as there is none locally or in the Churchill Ward into which this development falls. We should not be dependent on Battersea Park in London Borough of Wandsworth.

Head count
We are concerned with the number of units to be put onsite and all agree that we would be prepared to see some social housing going off site if this will mean that building heights will be low and not affect the daylight/sunlight in our properties that surround the barracks.

Amenities
This area of 13.5 acres will represent a whole new village in Chelsea/Belgravia and should be treated as one. We would like to see all the components that one would find village green, church, shops, etc

Church
Irrespective of whether the church is listed or not we would like to see this structure included as an historic anchor to the site and provide a most welcome concert and community hall. It would be a wasted opportunity not to have any visible sign of the past. There is a great need for our own community hall locally, as there is only a small church hall, which is usually booked up. We need the benefit of a community hall that provides activities to benefit the whole community.

River Westbourne
We would like to see the river Westbourne included in the master plan which runs through the site and is still a proven water overflow as seen by accompanying photograph. We understand that the Mayor of London would also be glad to see this river opened up.

Trees
All existing trees should be retained.

Architects
Chelsea Barracks Action Group to be given the opportunity to see and comment on the shortlist of the Architects being considered for the site, the decision being ultimately the prerogative of the site's owners.

VICTORY FOR THE CHELSEA BARRACKS ACTION GROUP

Special thanks to HRH Prince Charles and all our supporters for their unstinting work to help stop the steel and glass tower blocks!

THIS CHURCH WILL BE DESTROYED!
HELP US SAVE IT!

Please visit our page on the Garrison Church at the old Chelsea Barracks, and sign
our Guest register to show your support in saving the building.