A 32-year-old Persian library in West London is to be redeveloped into a 'state-of-the-art cultural centre', plus homes for more than 100 students.

Ealing councillors on Wednesday night (24 January) voted through plans to reimagine the Caspian Cultural Centre in Acton, with one member of the planning committee saying it would be a 'superb addition' both to the local area and London.

The Caspian Cultural Centre, formerly known as the Library for Iranian Studies, is the largest Persian language library outside of Iran. Started in November 1991 with about 2,500 items, it has grown to stock more than 40,000 Persian books, manuscripts and periodicals, plus hundreds of other titles from authors based in or connected to the region.

Deeming the existing library building as not fit for purpose, the centre has partnered with Corolla Group/Homes for Students to fund the revamp of the site.

As part of that arrangement, the plans include constructing buildings nine, eight and three-storeys high to provide 105 student homes.

The scheme has received significant push-back from residents and groups, with 40 objections received in-total.

These largely related to the potential impacts on traffic and the height of the nine-storey building, though council officers noted in their report on the application that many of these are from outside the local area.

One of those objecting, Deir Santos, spoke during the meeting via video call from Brazil. Mr Santos, who owns the freehold of a nearby property, said the development would have a detrimental impact on the amount of light his home receives, and urged councillors to reject the application.

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One concern raised by committee members was the low number of affordable units included in the plans. Just 10% of those proposed are to be rented at an 'affordable' rate.

Officers however wrote they are satisfied with this figure, with four viability tests suggesting this was the maximum amount which could feasibly be delivered.

Conservative councillor Julian Gallant praised the development plans, telling members: "One of the ancient cultures of the world is building a cultural centre that's opening its doors where it's been closed for years with no access to the public, it's opening its doors to the public. And that's a superb addition to Ealing, to Acton, and to London in general."

Labour councillor Chris Summers was also among those to speak highly of the plans. He said: "If it was another developer I'd be a bit concerned they'd get this and take another bite at the cherry, you know 13 storeys.

"But they are a charity and they are not here to make money, so I'm confident that won't happen."

As part of the approval, a number of contributions are to be sought from the applicant through a Section 106 Agreement. These include a carbon offsetting contribution of £117,990, £72,769 towards local healthcare provision, and £12,540 improving the adjoining Woodlands Park.

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