Developers have been granted permission to build a 10 to 20 storey student accommodation and office space on the vacant Exchange Plaza on Uxbridge Road, Ealing. 

Ealing Council's planning committee agreed to the plans from developers CEG to bring 504 student bedrooms, 35% (177) of which would be affordable, to the area on 7 August.

CEG say there is a need in Ealing for student rooms with the applicant's assessment showing 45% of students in Ealing reside in private rented accommodation, and only 21% live in private halls.

Additionally, there are currently 4.9 students in Ealing requiring accommodation for every available student bedroom.

As part of the planning agreement, the developers must contribute a total of £1,583,366 to the council in monetary obligations. 

Exchage Plaza was previously an existing office building (credit: Ealing Council).

Also, CEG must "use reasonable endeavours" to reach an agreement with an higher education institution in respect of all of the 35% allocated affordable student beds and as a minimum at least a further 16% of the student beds.

When the Officer Report was published on 31 July, Ealing Council received 265 objections and four comments in support. Since the publication of the report there has been an additional 82 objections.   

During the planning committee meeting, one objector shared a video where she argues that despite the London Plan requiring 3,500 student beds a year, Ealing does not fit the demand with only one higher education institution (University of West London) in the area. 

Planning manager for CEG, Andrew McFee told councillors that the proposals would "boost" Ealing's economic growth and provide 600 new jobs. 

"The proposals have been informed by discussions with the University of West London and I am pleased to say that UWL are here with us this evening in support of the proposals," said McFee.  

Proposed student accommodiation and office buildings looking north from Uxbridge Road (credit: Ealing Council).

Still, local organisations such as Ealing Civic Society objected to the proposals due to the potential impact on the locally listed Ealing Fire Station and the council's local plan.

Ealing Civic Society said: "The current application proposes a 10-20 storey development, with a maximum height of some 60m, which considerably (by some 17m) exceeds that of the approved office building on the site and also an approved but not implemented redevelopment on the south side of the road by around 10m.

"The previously granted permission cannot therefore be quoted as precedent."

It added: "Furthermore, as highlighted by large numbers of objectors to these proposals, the new Local Plan, now at Regulation 19 stage, identifies this site as suitable only for buildings of up to 35m/10 storeys. This appears to have been completely ignored.

"The site lies immediately to the east of the low level locally listed Ealing Fire Station. The considerable bulk and massing of the westerly block of the development will appear overbearing on this local asset and significantly harm both views of the building and its setting.

"Lastly, the design of the proposed blocks is uninspiring and will not enhance the appearance of this important location. For all these reasons, these proposals must now be refused."

View looking west along the Uxbridge Road (credit: Ealing Council).

Ealing Council's Local Plan is in the public consultation stage, Regulation 19, carrying "limited weight" explained the planning officer.

Cllr Anthony Kelly commented that he has been "historically sceptical about student accommodation" but since the construction of Trentham Court and other student blocks in North Acton the area has seen more investment and "vibrancy," therefore he welcomes the plans. 

Also in support of the plans was Cllr Miriam Rice who said: "The point is being proven to me time and time again is the need for more student accommodation." 

She added: "This plan does do better in terms of reducing the impact of light on Cavalier House and those residents there so I will definitely grant this one." 

The planning committee voted for the plans with only Cllr Fabio Conti voting against the proposals. 

To read the full agenda report, click here.