Residents of one of Brentford's most historic roads are raising money to help them fight a proposal to build over a local car park.

So far the Orchard Road Residents' Association's Go Fund Me campaign has raised more than £1,200.

The residents' association has appointed specialists MZA Planning to make their case to Hounslow Council.

The council plans to develop the car park at the eastern end of Orchard Road which residents say would mean the loss of 30 parking spaces.

A prize draw to win a hand-made hamper worth £100 is on offer to anyone who donates at least of £5.

If given the go-ahead, the council's plans would see the construction of five, family size, two-storey houses with no off-road parking included for the new houses and no guarantee as to replacement parking following the loss of the car park.

The Residents' Association say they have tried to engage with the council but it has not responded to requests for a meeting.

Petitions against the development have been signed by 322 people living near the car park.

As one of the oldest streets in the area, Orchard Road is scheduled to be designated as a conservation area, although the car park lies just outside the proposed Conservation Area.

MZA Planning say that the emerging Conservation Area status of Orchard Road should be taken into account by the council in respect of the proposed redevelopment of the car park.

They say the re-distribution of car parking lost to development within the Conservation Area would have a detrimental impact on the character of Orchard Road, where the streetscene is already dominated by parking'.

Residents say they are keen to engage with the council and accept there is a need for new homes in Hounslow.

However, they say that the loss of parking and lack of proper consultation means they have had no option but to object to the plans.

The group said: "The roads around Orchard Road are already very crowded – and will become more so.

"The large development on Boston Manor Road, just opposite Brentford Station, is progressing.

"And the threat looms of an extra floor being added to Mercury House, just opposite the car park, which is already a whole block of 30 flats with no parking."

They point out that these developments add to the massive residential building taking place on Brentford High Street by developers Ballymore.

Through a Freedom of Information request submitted by the group, the council also confirmed it is considering developing the 30 garages at the Windmill Road end of Orchard Road.

Residents say this would further erode car parking in the area and add more residents and therefore more cars onto the streets.

The group added: "We are of the view that there are better sites for further housing development in the borough.

"The current proposals for family houses will have no car parking provision, or even disabled parking, as part of the scheme.

"Occupiers will have no rights to apply for resident parking permits for street parking. This does not represent a desirable or sustainable model for multi-generational living in the community.

"Demand for housing in inner and outer London is diminishing compared to recent years, as many companies embrace working from home due to the Covid pandemic - and they will continue to do so."

The group also point out that once full attendance begins at Brentford Stadium – despite the move to Kew Bridge – the car park is so near the A/M4 that many supporters, local and visiting, will use the roads around the Orchard Road for parking on match days, as they have traditionally done.

The council's suggested mitigation for the loss of parking of removing yellow lines will result in serious congestion, say residents.

Buses already have to be diverted when people park on Windmill Road on match days.

Planning chiefs will consider the proposals at a Planning Committee meeting on March 4.

Hounslow Council has been asked by Brentford Nub News for a response.

Gofundme can be found here