Ealing Businesses Call For a Green Light to Dickens Yard

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Huge turnout and fireworks expected at 5 November Planning Committee meeting

Forget Bonfire Night, the Dickens Yard Planning Committee meeting is where the sparks are going to be flying tomorrow night.

So huge is the expected turnout, the council has organised a big screen in the Victoria Hall to give a better view of what is going on in the meeting as it takes place.

On the eve of the meeting, Ealing Broadway Businesses are urging the committee to give the plans the go-ahead.

In a statement issued by Ealing Broadway Bid, representative of Ealing businesses, Steve Breen spoke of the expected impact of the Westfield shopping centre opening.

"(Westfield) has created a brand new retail offer for West London which will have a profound impact on Ealing Town Centre and its ability to retain quality shops, bring in investment for the borough and support existing local businesses," said Steve. "Reports have suggested that we will lose at least £40 million per year from Ealing."

"On behalf of nearly 600 local businesses, I would urge councillors to consider the importance of this investment by St George towards the borough’s vision for Ealing Broadway. As well as bringing in new shops and helping to create nearly 500 jobs for the local community, it will improve the Broadway’s landscape significantly with the creation of new spaces and places that will bring back pride to the centre of Ealing.

"I therefore ask councillors to approve the planning application so that the regeneration of Ealing Broadway can really begin."

But Save Ealing's Centre (SEC), the alliance of more than 20 residents’ groups, are calling for the council to reject the plans, branding the final plans“overdevelopment”.

Spokesman Anthony Lewis, told press the final report which will be given to the Planning Committee does not represent a ringing endorsement of the proposals put forward by developers St George.

“Although the officer’s report recommends approval of the planning application, this is tempered by the fact any approval would be subject to referral to the Greater London Assembly," said Anthony.

“There are also problems with the provision of Section 106 contributions for the benefit of the community and for planning to mitigate the deficiencies and potential adverse impacts of the proposed development.

“This is not a ringing endorsement for St George's proposals, but an indication that they are far from adequate.

“The papers for the planning committee include detailed objections from many residents' associations and community groups.

“SEC believes that it is essential for the planning committee to take full account of these objections and not to ride roughshod over them.”

 

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November 4, 2008