Public Inquiry into Proposed Arcadia Development

Controversial plans for high rise development in Ealing under scrutiny

A public inquiry into the proposed Arcadia development in Ealing is underway. It follows the Secretary of State’s ‘call-in’ of the Council’s decision to approve the development.

The site covers the area between Ealing Broadway station and Christchurch (except for the Carphone Warehouse and Sainsburys stores on the Broadway).

Developer Glenkerrin - backed by the council - wants to demolish all existing buildings and build seven blocks of between seven and 26 storeys, bridging the railway to bring the frontages up to the edge of Haven Green.

The scheme was revised to re-design the controversial "Leaf" building after the initial public consultation.

The development would be largely residential, with 567 units, but with about 50% more retail space (shops, cafes and restaurants). There would be 352 car parking spaces in a two-level basement accessed from Springbridge Road, 230 for the flats and 122 for retail and commercial uses including 7 disabled, and 631 cycles spaces.

The application was approved by Ealing's Planning Committee in December 2008. In January 2009 the Secretary of State decided to "call in" the application for her own decision.

Members of the public are able to attend all 12 days of the hearing, which will include representations from the developer and other interested parties.

Save Ealing's Centre - a coalition of residents' associations and voluntary groups - are the main opponents and have

raised £20,000 for a lawyer to help fight the

proposals.

The Council will also attend, giving evidence to support its decision to approve the development.

The inquiry will be run by an independent planning inspector who will prepare a report.

The final decision on the development application will be made by the Secretary of State.

The inquiry will take place in the Ealing Town Hall from 10am – 5pm on the following days:
• 23-26 June
• 30 June-3 July
• 7-10 July

What do you think about the plans? Discuss it on the forum

June 25, 2009