Ealing: Consultation for Friary Park's regeneration plan reopens amid backlash from local residents

By Hannah Davenport

29th Oct 2021 | Local News

The consultation for Friary Park Estates's redevelopment has reopened to the public as local residents raised concerns about the proposed plans to build a 37-storey tower block.

The consultation will remain open until November 8 after the developers faced criticism for not adequately consulting the public on their revised plans for the housing development near Acton mainline station.

In 2019, Ealing Council planning committee approved the initial plans which included 930 new homes and two tower blocks.

The new plan now includes a 37-storey block, which was originally 22-stories, and a 29-storey block – up from 24.

The developers Catalyst and Mount Anvil said there will be 45 per cent affordable homes, with 64 affordable shared ownership properties alongside 237 social rent homes.

The site originally housed the Walls ice cream factory, before being demolished for housing originally opened by the then Labour leader Neil Kinnock.

A community-led campaign group called Cap the Towers has been set up by Acton residents to oppose the housing development's proposed increase in size.

Rupa Huq, the MP for Ealing Central and Acton attended a meeting with the developers and described the building as an "oversized monster".

Huq said: "The revised plans are unnecessarily high and completely mismatched to the Edwardian and Victorian surrounding streets.

"It's shocking that precious little of this oversized monster will actually be for homes for local locals, despite previous promises.

"Given the way there is less and less demand for flats in the covid era, I'd say if anything this development needs reducing in size, scale and scope. The last thing Acton needs is this expanded white elephant".

The Leader of Ealing Council, Peter Mason met with local Acton residents to discuss the development and in a recent tweet he said: "I do not believe that the planned increase in the height of the towers at this site is appropriate, proportional or necessary."

A spokesperson for Catalyst and Mount Anvil, said: "We have been listening to feedback from the community on our proposed enhancements at Friary Park, and acknowledge concerns raised by local neighbours.

"The proposed enhancements ensure that the local community in and around Friary Park will benefit from the large green spaces created, and the plans have adapted to the new ways we live and use our local area following the pandemic.

"As well as adding more new homes, the proposals include a new community square, enhancements to ecology and nature, improvements to the local green, a new cycle hub, lighting and safety enhancements, a potting shed and edible garden, new creative spaces, new places to relax, plans for community arts and changes to Friary Road."

People can voice their opinions about the development on the online consultation.

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