There was a huge sigh of relief as the controversial " Chiswick Curve " plans were rejected.

Dozens of residents braved the bitter cold to attend a planning meeting, and welcomed the news that the 32-storey skyscrapper at Chiswick Roundabout and digital advertising boards were given a resounding "no".

Hounslow council's planning committee declared a unanimous thumbs down decision.

Chiswick tower plans rejected

Days before the meeting on Thursday (January 12), the plans were recommended for refusal by planning officers in a report which stated reasons including its size and "substantial harm" to local heritage sites such as Kew Gardens.

The revised plans which were refused were also condemned in the report for "the standard of design" and the "proposed provision of affordable housing".

Resident groups have been campaigning for years against plans at the site it deems to be unsuitable for residential use, as well as for its impact on traffic, public transport and pollution.

West Chiswick and Gunnersbury Society (WCGS) said the proposals were contrary to a range of policies of the London Plan, the Local Plan and the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Starbones' proposals for high-rise housing at the Chiswick Roundabout site adjacent to the M4.

A statement from the WCGS said: "So, a major battle won – but the fight goes on.

"The developer may appeal or come back with another scheme – once the Council’s Partial Review of the Local Plan for the Great West Corridor/Golden Mile has progressed.

"Meanwhile, the decision is subject to a “stage II referral to the GLA”.

MP for Brentford and Isleworth Ruth Cadbury added: "I know a lot of people in West Chiswick and beyond will be relieved that Hounslow councillors refused this application for massive over-development on such a small site.

"It was the latest in a long-line of unsuitable applications for this tiny site surrounded by busy and congested roads.

"The developer needs to work with Hounslow council on a solution that is to scale, and appropriate for the local area."

Starbones' proposals for high-rise housing at the Chiswick Roundabout site adjacent to the M4. The proposed site

It remains to be seen whether an appeal will be made by developers Starbones Limited.

Councillor Steve Curran, leader of Hounslow Council, said: “Hounslow Council’s planning committee considered the application for the “Chiswick Curve” which was recommended for refusal by our planning officers, who considered that the proposal did not comply with the national, regional and local planning policy.

“After careful consideration, the committee supported the recommendation for refusal.

"The report has now gone to the Greater London Authority [GLA] as the Mayor of London has 14 days to consider the committee’s decision.”

Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.

You can even set it to receive push notifications for all the breaking news in your area.

Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android now!