By Megan Stanley

A new 20-storey tower will be built next to two massive blocks of flats in Acton to provide more affordable housing in the borough. But some neighbours have said they are "appalled" at the plans to bring another big tower into the area.

There are 11,000 families in Ealing on the housing waiting list, with at least 2,000 living in B&Bs due to a lack of affordable housing. This new development will be 'genuinely affordable', councillors heard on Wednesday, October 19.

The new tower block will be built alongside the 22-storey Moreton and Rufford Towers in the Steyne Estate. Two smaller blocks, designed for families and over 55s, will also be built in the area. 

Speaking at the meeting, resident Robert Stoner said: "A major cause for concern is the impact of 188 new households on the borough's existing infrastructure of health care schools transport and so on. "

The Moreton Tower resident questioned the height of Block A, pointing out that none of the new buildings in the Acton Gardens redevelopment, just a short walk away, are as high.

He said: "From my window on the 21st floor, I can see the shrouded corpse of Grenfell tower. If a fire was to break out in this new tower the strong winds will blow flaming cinders into the balconies of the adjacent towers." Mr Stoner added: "In the immediate footprint of this proposed development is the occupants of Lucas House, Rosemont Road, and Lexton Road who will suffer the most.

"They are appalled by the prospect of loss of privacy and light caused by the new eight-storey block on the other side of the road, not to mention the long shadow that the proposed 20-storey tower will cast across their windows and gardens."

The new development will bring 188 new homes, 85.6 per cent of which will be affordable housing. A one-bedroomed flat is expected to cost £180 per week.

A total of 111 new flats will be in the massive tower block, while Block B will be just six storeys tall and provide homes for residents aged over 55. The third block will be much shorter and will have just six homes for families.

There will also be an increase in open space, with more playgrounds for children. Just 34 trees will be removed for the construction, with developers promising to plant 91 new trees and shrubs in the estate.

Plans were submitted by Ealing Council in collaboration with Broadway Living, the council-owned company tasked with creating new homes to tackle the affordable housing crisis.

Adam Towle, head of new business at Ealing Council, told the committee: "There are about 11,000 Ealing families on the housing waiting list because they don't have a suitable safe and secure home they can afford over 2000 are living in temporary accommodations such as B&Bs.

"The best way to reduce the number of families in this unacceptable situation is by increasing the supply of suitable permanent places to live. So it's important we support high-quality projects such as this."

Councillors approved the plans and it is expected that the new towers will be ready by 2026.