Brentford Dock has urged its residents to send objections to Hounslow Council which wants to stop gates being erected to prevent non-residents coming onto the estate.

The council last week served an Article 4 Direction which "removes the permitted development" rights of landowners to erect fences and gates etc without first requiring council permission.

The gates were put up earlier this month after complaints from residents of people coming onto the estate and using the riverside facilities.

Last summer there were complaints of late-night noise and rubbish being left on the estate.

Residents pay a service charge for security and the upkeep of the grounds.

Veronica Wray, chair of Brentford Dock Estate Limited (BDEL), told residents: "This gating cost £4,000 and came from BDEL's fund (non-service charge) which are not subject to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

"LBH, through their lawyers, instructed us to immediately remove these gates or they would take a court injunction to force us to do so.

"On receipt of evidence submitted by BDEL solicitors, LBH have now withdrawn their threat of an injunction and the gates remain in place."

In a letter to residents, the Dock says in 1991 the freehold of the estate was sold by LBH to Estmanco/BDL.

It says the only public rights of way on the estate are marked by LBH's own map – these are the LBH adopted highways of Augustus Close and the first part of Julius Close up to the security office and a very short section of the Thames Path between the pedestrian bridge and the adjoining steps leading down to the canal path which is owned by the Canal and River Trust.

Residents have until February 10 to object to the implementation of an Article 4 Direction.

Ms Wray said: "My Board and I would urge all residents, whether you are a private or LBH tenant or shareholder to make sure that your views are heard before 10 February 2021"

Other Brentford residents have defended the council's stance, saying everyone should have a right to enjoy the river.

Jim Storrar has described the "groundswell of anger" over the gates.

The 72-year-old who has lived in the area for 40 years, said: "For years we'd go down there, we love the walk that goes round the point, the most beautiful views of the Thames and over at Kew Gardens and so on, it is hugely valued by the community including, those who live in Brentford Dock…

"[It's] the idea that views of beautiful landscapes are not private property, they should belong to everyone, and we see that all the way along the Thames."