Lack of transparency, too much building on Green Belt & Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), no clear industrial capacity planning, as well as a theoretical approach not grounded in evidence or engagement with businesses and residents.

MOL has the same status and protections as Green Belt which is that it should not be built on. Liberal Democrats say this is further evidence that Labour wants to concrete over green spaces across the borough as outlined in the draft Local Development Plan (LDP).

Liberal Democrat Councillor Gary Malcolm, Leader of the Opposition, is leading a response to the draft Local Plan and is keen to talk to any groups who have not been engaged in the process. The Liberal Democrats have launched a petition which can be seen here:

www.ealinglibdems.org.uk/openspaces

Councillor Gary Malcolm said: "The Labour administration in Ealing are continuing with their ill thought out plans to build on Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) through designating housing blocks at a range of protected land areas across a range of sites. Liberal Democrats believe in the importance of green infrastructure to sustain us over the medium term alongside a framework of buildings for the future and connected communities. We believe that this local plan is damaging to the sustainability of a future Ealing."

Councillor Gary Malcolm added: "Liberal Democrats are keen to ensure that people across the borough are actively engaged in responding to the LDP including Gurnell and Warren Farm to conserve green belt and open spaces as well as ensuring that our built environment is appropriate and fit for purpose in the twenty first century. Do email me at [email protected] if you would like us to assist you in this topic."

The overview on tall buildings is "overly complex", does not take into account the fact that Kew 3km south of Ealing Centre is of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) which is strategically important. Furthermore, there is no single map showing all the tall building spots, demonstrating a deliberate lack of transparency replaced with a "smoke and mirrors" approach. Indeed, there is a no clear definition of a "tall building", something which the Liberal Democrats have also challenged Labour on.