Campaigners Celebrate Hoover Building Tower Block Decision

Perivale residents had demonstrated against plan

The proposed tower block behind the hoover building. Credit: Amro

Residents in Perivale are celebrating after Ealing Council rejected controversial plans for a 22 storey tower block behind the iconic Hoover Building in a car park.

Protestors gathered outside the council house last night (Wednesday 19 September) to make their feelings heard before the planning committee meeting.

The Wiltern development planned to include 305 residential units, 74 of which would have been classed as affordable housing.

Historic England were concerned about the proposals for the tower block and said 'we remain concerned about the proposed tall building development in this important historic place the principle of which does not appear supported by your Councils local planning policies '

Local residents have reacted to the news that the plans were rejected with joy and say it was down to 'people power'.

Cormac Gilmore, secretary of the residents’ campaign committee, said:

“Perivale residents have campaigned tirelessly against the  proposal of a 22 story tower block behind the Grade 2 Listed Hoover Building, so we are delighted that the Council Planning Committee has refused this totally inappropriate plan.  We have a strong community in Perivale, and we will continue to campaign against development that harm our local heritage or local area.  We would like to encourage the Board of Tesco to engage as is their statutory duty  with the local community about any future plans for the site.”

Local people protest about the plan outside the town hall. Picture: Facebook

A crowd of around 60 people had gathered outside the Hoover Building on Saturday to protest against the plans for the car park behind it.

The developer, Amro, denied criticism that they had failed to properly publicise their plans saying in a statement that engagement has been extensive on The Wiltern development. 

An Ealing Council spokesperson said '' The planning application was refused on the grounds of the impact of height on the Hoover building.''

Written with contributions from Ged Cann Local Democracy Reporter

September 20, 2019