Ealing Council Leader, Peter Mason, responded to a letter from Green Party Deputy Leader, Zack Polanski, regarding the proposed development at Warren Farm and the existing Green Quarter development. 

Earlier this year, the council, in collaboration with Imperial College London, reached an agreement to rewild most of the land at Warren Farm. 

There were also reports of Warren Farm being the site for Southall FC's new stadium. 

In response to Zack Polanski's letter, Cllr Mason addressed several issues. 

Warren Farm Development: Rewilding and Community Involvement  

Cllr Mason emphasised the council's commitment to formally rewilding most of the land on both sites, including the removal of significant dilapidated hard standing. 

The council aim to design replacement facilities that occupy less space and have an active plan to engage the community in the decision-making process. 

Regarding Polanski's concerns about a potential stadium at Warren Farm, Cllr Mason said: "I am happy to confirm that there are no proposals for a stadium at Warren Farm Sports Ground." 

Instead, the council envisions facilities like a sports pavilion, cafe, changing rooms, kit and equipment storage, and community spaces for schools and local groups. 

Southall Gasworks: Addressing Air Quality and Soil Contamination  

Cllr Mason also addressed issues related to Southall Gasworks, acknowledging that residents have long been concerned about air quality and soil contamination. 

The council has implemented independent air quality monitoring, sought legal advice, and conducted soil sampling to address these concerns. 

However, Cllr Mason also acknowledged the limitations imposed by existing environmental protection laws, which hinder the council's ability to enforce statutory nuisance. Cllr Mason expressed the need for legislative reform to address these issues effectively. 

He said: "We are limited as a local authority in what we can do, but we will also continue to campaign for additional enforcement capabilities."  

Collaboration and Future Initiatives  

Cllr Mason's letter also welcomed the council's collaboration with Imperial College London on biomonitoring research and the development of a Health Impact Assessment Toolkit to improve air quality in Ealing. 

The council leader anticipates the publication of Ealing Council's renewed Air Quality Strategy and the potential partnership with Centric Lab to develop a comprehensive action plan. 

Proposals for the use of Warren Farm by Ealing Council back in July 2023 (credit: Ealing Council).

Green Party Deputy Leader, Zack Polanski's Concerns 

On September 13, Zack Polanski voiced concerns about the proposed development at Warren Farm and the existing Green Quarter development. 

These concerns revolved around environmental and social justice issues related to the potential destruction of Warren Farm, an urban meadow and habitat for "endangered species".  

Polanski questioned the council's commitment to protecting nature considering the climate emergency. 

He inquired about specific aspects of the Warren Farm development, such as the use of rewilded space and potential discussions with Southall FC. 

Polanski said: "Baroness Jenny Jones in the House of Lords tweeted on July 24th that the Warren Farm site is a potential stadium for Southall FC. 

"The owner and chairman of that club is the son of the incumbent MP Virenda Sharma. Can you confirm whether discussions have taken place regarding Southall FC's use of the site?" 

Additionally, he raised concerns about air quality in the Green Quarter and the council's engagement with campaigners. 

Polanski's letter emphasised the importance of addressing these concerns, both from residents and environmental perspectives. 

In the letter Polanski said: "Having met with campaigners of Clean Air in Southall and Hayes (CASH), they are primarily concerned about the lack of engagement by the council." 

The exchange between Cllr Mason and Zack Polanski comes after a back and forth on X (formerly known as Twitter) about the use of the land back in July. 

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