Platts Eyot

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Platts Eyot, once an island of osier beds became known for its boat-building works from about 1860, and was later home to the pioneering firm Immisch, builders of electric launches, and later to Thorneycrofts.

The owners, Terrace Hill Developments lodged a planning application in 2002 for a development of industrial buildings, including restored boatsheds, offices for business and leisure uses and 13 houses, as well as a nature conservation area. The architects are Jestico and Whiles with Environmental Consultants Novell Tullitt. A widened road bridge would allow access for cars, and a carpark for 80 cars would be provided.

In December 2002 the GLA called for an Environmental Impact Study, justification for the high levels of parking, and a risk assessment for the bridge.

The Environment Trust applauds the upgrading of boat-building facilities and the maintenance of a nature conservation area, but it is opposed to the widening of the bridge, seeing it as a worrying precedent for other car-free islands in the Thames, and is concerned about the maintenance of low rents for river-related industry being possible beside competing leisure uses unrelated to the river.

See articles in www.thames-online.co.uk Journal for August and December 2002