TOO little time has been allowed for consultation on the future of Hounslow town centre, it was claimed this week.
Hounslow Chamber of Commerce and two of the borough's biggest resident groups have all rounded on the four-week consultation period as being too short.
They believe at least six weeks should have been allowed for such a major decision, which could influence the shape of the town centre for years to come.
The month-long consultation on the draft supplementary planning document for the town centre, used as a guide for development over the next 15 years, closed last Friday (March 23).
The document, based on a 'master plan' produced by consultants, will be used to determine planning applications.
It has sections on everything from what height is acceptable for new buildings to the appropriate mix of shops, offices and homes.
However, critics argue that with so much development expected in Hounslow over the next 15 years - including the long-awaited second phase of Key Site One, linking the High Street with ASDA - residents should have been given more time to have their say.
Trevor Timpson, president of Hounslow Central Residents' Association, said: "This public consultation has fallen short of the mark. It's difficult to take this four-week timescale seriously and I think it would be an idea to extend it."
He added that more discussion was needed on a number of issues, including parking spaces, bus routes and the provision of a swimming pool.
Hounslow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stephen Fry, meanwhile, said the document had 'merit' but the consultation period was 'ridiculously short' and should have been six weeks.
David Blackett, chairman of Heston Residents' Association, claimed 'insufficient time' was allocated for consultation.
"For any local authority seeking to introduce and administer change surely it is vital to ensure you have given sufficient time for consultation and to have a majority support for the need for changes and their nature," he added.
