Ealing's Town Centre Inquiry ' Could Have Been Avoided'
Campaigners say council should have listened to objections
A major public inquiry is to be held over plans to redevelop Ealing Town Centre and local campaign groups will once again play key roles.
Seven years ago proposals for the Arcadia site - which would have seen tower blocks opposite Ealing Broadway station - were rejected.
The Secretary of State has stepped in again following the latest controversial planning application for 9-42 The Broadway.
The application was criticised by conservation groups who said such a redevelopment would have an ‘irrevocable and negative impact’ on Ealing centre.
Save Ealing's Centre (SEC) has been granted official participant status which means group representatives will play a full part in the public inquiry - as they did in 2009.
SEC will be supported by Ealing Civic Society and the local Conservation Area Panels. National specialist heritage adviser Historic England, who also object strongly to the application, will also be appearing.
Julian Smith from SEC says: ''We believe that this very costly public inquiry could have been avoided if London Borough of Ealing planning department had taken proper account of the many objections based on planning policy that they received.
'' If you want to see a more sympathetic development on this site and would like to offer support to SEC please write to mail@saveealingscentre.com to be added to our mailing list.''
It's been claimed that too many unsuitable schemes are being pushed through because Ealing's regeneration and planning sections are too closely linked.
Council Leader Julian Bell has defended the council's stance and said:
''I am confident that the planning inspector will agree with the GLA and the Mayor of London to uphold the decision that the council has made for the development at 9-42 the Broadway.''
The inquiry is likely to take place in early 2017.
14th June 2016