Plans to change "wonderful" community cafe into a home in Hanwell has been refused by Ealing Council.

Applicant ASK Architects, submitted proposals on 11 October 2024 to turn W7Emporium in Hanwell into a four-bedroom home with an extension and solar panel fitting.

Ealing Council rejected the plans in its decision report, citing conflicts with local and London-wide planning policies.

The proposed front elevation from ASK Architects which were refused (credit: Planning application).

It also considered the proposed first-floor extension as "overbearing" and "unneighbourly" due to its size, causing loss of light, outlook and a sense of enclosure for neighbouring properties. 

The cafe, on the ground and first floor of the site on Boston Road, has become a community "staple" for the past 12 years with the application receiving 101 objections to just one in support.

The rejected proposals from ASK Architects would have seen four-bedrooms come to the site (credit: Planning application).

One resident commented: "W7Emporium is a wonderful cafe and space for members of the local community to meet and eat. It is in keeping with the local area."

A second wrote: "The W7Emporium cafe has been a hub of the community for years and many local resident would sorely miss it if it were to go.

"With all the new flats in the area it is even more important than ever that there is also a balance of local amenities." 

Another said: "W7Emporium is an asset to the community, it is a jewel in the heart of Hanwell, a much loved and frequented cafe which the business owner has managed to keep going for 12 years."

To find out more about W7Emproium click here and to read the full application click here.

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