Viv Ellis reports on a packed planning meeting

Ealing Council has approved controversial plans for QPR to build a multi-million pound training ground at Warren Farm on the Ealing/Southall borders.

This will establish a Football Training Academy, and public facilities including football and cricket pitches and much-needed new changing facilities.

I have never seen the spectators’ gallery so full. Some members of the public were allowed to address the chamber. These included: Caroline Brown representing the Hanwell Community Forum and Old Hanwell Residents’ Association who spoke of the height of the buildings, saying they would “not look out of place at Heathrow airport” and the lack of public transport to access the site.

Tony Young, from Norwood Green Residents’ Association spoke in favour of the plans citing a “much needed improvement” for young people which will save Ealing Council £70 thousand a year.

The land in question is designated as Metropolitan Open Land (similar to Green Belt) so London Mayor, Boris Johnson, has to rubber stamp the decision.

Hanwell resident Samantha O’Connor was fuming after the meeting “Hanwell will get all the disadvantages and none of the advantages. Now, it’s a five minute walk to access the land. After QPR have erected their fences it’ll be a four mile drive one way or 6 miles the other. We are not giving up”

QPR CEO Philip Beard, quoted on the club's website , said :

“This is a landmark day for Queens Park Rangers Football Club. We are hugely grateful for the support shown by all parties, especially the local residents, who we hope will benefit extensively from the range of facilities and activities that will become available over the course of the coming years.

“There is a lot of hard work ahead of us as we finalise the design details and tendering of the project, but today’s news is a massive step forward and a significant milestone for the club.”

Viv Ellis

25th April 2013