In between Mortlake and Kew by the towpath there is a substantial plant that was used by Thames Water to treat sewage. It’s proper name is a biothane plane but that needn’t concern us as it shut in 2015.
The re-development of this prime riverside site has been contentious. Unimaginatively but with an eye to the bottom line, a block of flats was the first plan. On Friday this planning application was posted on the towpath.
It seems to tick a lot of boxes. The elderly with existing health conditions and needing specialist extra care can take up cycling and swimming and when the children visit, there’s a play area for the grandchildren. Actually I think it’s a good plan and an acknowledgement of the problems we face with an ageing population.
Two new benches have been installed on the towpath affording fine views of the river. Another acknowledgement that folk may spend more time sitting and looking at the river than walking along it.