"for anybody that knows SW London well - nearly every aircraft I have seen lowers it landing gear over the allotments next to Sheen Court off Sheen Road near Richmond. You can set your watch by it"
I beg to differ. They wait until they spot the Harrods Depository opposite FFC THEN they lower the gear;-)
The one exception being P.I.A who have a habit of waiting until they fly over Hounslow High Street..(if landing on 27L/R)