Albany Riverside Development
On 26 September, the Friends submitted comments on the Albany Riverside Development to the Local Planning Authority.
Given the actual and potential conflicts of interest that members of the Planning Committee face in assessing this new scheme, and in the absence of further information or formal consultation with the local community on a linked development of such importance to Brentford, we believe that any decision should be deferred until full public consultation, including a public meeting, has taken place. The current proposals are just one option — but have been presented as the only option.
Notwithstanding this, our submission on the Albany Riverside Development as currently presented makes a number of points. We broadly welcome proposals to improve the park interface with the development but strongly feel that existing trees at the park entrance should be retained. There are also opportunities to:
- Improve accessibility
- Ensure access to toilets and drinking water in the park
- Secure investment for the park using planning-gain proceeds. Further investment was as identified as being needed in the Brentford Town Centre Master Plan (approved in 2024)
You can read the full submission here.
As previously noted, the Albany Riverside development remains linked to the redevelopment of the Police Station site in central Brentford through a Section 106 agreement. This agreement requires a new Arts Centre to be completed on that site before works can begin at Albany Riverside. Unless the agreement is amended, the scheme could still be several years away.
Use of Herbicides in Parks
Earlier this year Hounslow’s policy of clearing weeds from suburban streets and main roads by hand was reversed. Hounslow Highways have now published a ward-by-ward programme (recently updated) of when Glyphosate will be applied — unless residents remove weeds themselves.
In parks, the pre-existing policy stated that specific herbicides should only be used where non-chemical alternatives were not viable — for example, to control invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed. This position appears to have been weakened, with Greenspace now able to use herbicides across all parks, including Watermans Park, where there is a lack of resources for hand maintenance.
Through the Hounslow Friends of Parks Forum (next meeting 15 October), we have asked the Parks Team and Greenspace to:
- Set out the new protocols for herbicide use
- Share a draft of the updated 2025 Park Management Plans, as the current versions are now out of date
You can read the questions sent to the Hounslow Friends of Parks Forum here.
Gardening Club
On Saturday 11 October at 2pm, we'll be:
- Weeding and tidying flower beds near the western entrance
- Training climbing plants over the pergolas
It's a great way to meet neighbours, support biodiversity, and enjoy the outdoors. Families welcome - please wear suitable clothing and gloves and bring tools if you have them (we'll also have some to share). After the recent rain the ground should be a little more forgiving these days.
We'll arrange more gardening days throughout the autumn.
------
If you have any comments about the park please do get in touch.
Philip Jones
Chair, Friends of Watermans Park
chair@friendsofwatermanspark.org