Plans for a new 26-metre tall chimney at a sewage works in Isleworth have come under fire.
Thames Water has applied to build the two-metre wide 'multi-flue stack' at Mogden Sewage Treatment Works - a stone's throw from Twickenham Stadium - as part of a wider upgrade of the facility.
The utility firm wants to install new more efficient engines which use biogas produced as part of the treatment process to generate electricity.
It says the work will reduce the site's carbon footprint and the chimney will better disperse the emissions, improving local air quality.
But the plans have been criticised by one woman, who fears the chimney may be an unnecessary blot on the landscape.
Sam Denning, of Mogden Lane, said the application documents submitted to Hounslow Council were misleading, with no clear evidence as to why such a tall chimney is needed.
She told getwestlondon a major upgrade of the plant, completed in 2013, had not reduced the smell emanating from the site, so residents were right to be suspicious.
"Thames Water needs to work at improving the environmental impacts it has, and I understand that in order for it to make improvements they must be given the opportunity to upgrade," she said.
"However recent investments/upgrades have failed to have the required impact so it is reasonable to question whether the proposed flue is for the benefit of local residents or the profitability of Thames Water."
Thames Water's application, which was submitted on October 1, states that the new engines would be nearly a third more efficient than those currently in place.
Regarding the visual impact of the chimney, it recognises there would be "moderate adverse effects" for users of the public right of way along the Duke of Northumberland River and for nearby homes, like those in Beaumont Place, but says the visibility will be limited from other spots.
A spokeswoman for the company said: "The height of the proposed stack would be 26 metres as there would be adequate dispersal of emissions by the wind at this height, improving air quality in the area and ensuring we meet Environment Agency requirements. We're sharing our plans with local residents and we'll make sure they're updated on our progress."
