Concerns Raised About West Ealing Temple Expansion

Chapel Road residents argue proposed changes are not minor

Traffic on Chapel Road is already regularly congested.

January 2, 2025

Residents of Chapel Road in West Ealing are raising concerns about a new planning application (244669VAR) being made by a Hindu Temple (Shri Kanaga Thurkkai Amman).

Permission was given in November 2022 (213109FUL) for the two-storey building with basement for ancillary use for the temple next door replacing a temporary marquee. However, a condition of this earlier approval was that it be used just for meditation.

The applicant wants to vary that condition to allow greater flexibility in the use of the building but opponents are arguing that the road is already extremely congested, particularly when there is an event at the temple, and any change to the use of the building that would increase its usage would exacerbate the problem further.

The application is being made as a minor material amendment which means it could progress to approval more quickly than a full application. The proposed variation would broaden the type of uses the building could be used for including cultural activities. The first floor of the building is already in use as a library and archive, meeting room and office.

The applicant’s planning consultant argues that a change in use meets the test of ‘reasonableness’ and that to insist on the existing narrowly defined condition would be unduly restrictive and limit the social benefit of the building. The temple is home to an active community and helps organise the popular annual Chariot Festival.

Opponents of the plan are not against the presence of the temple but believe the local road infrastructure is not sufficient to allow a further expansion of its activities.

One objector said, “Although the deadline is by 13 January we need as many people to object as possible and importantly as many people to contact their local councillors to prevent this going through as a minor amend with one officer deciding and ensuring it is forced to go to planning committee. In the past minor amends by the temple have been used and officers have just approved. It must at least go to planning committee. The traffic situation has become terrible due to the Temple worshippers and recent Temple expansions.”

The Temple on Chapel Road.

There is also another application (243232FUL) for an expansion of the basement area of the main temple which is proceeding at the same time although this will need to be considered by the borough planning committee. At the time of writing, there were thirty objections to this application

For more detail of the variation request and to make a comment before 13 January click here.