By Megan Stanley

Plans to convert a derelict mansion in West London into more than 300 homes have been approved despite being slammed as 'monstrous' by neighbours.

Twyford Abbey, a gothic country house in Ealing, has stood proud since the early 1800s but has been empty since 1988 and slowly fallen into disrepair and decay.

The plans to turn the derelict building into a private school were scrapped, but councillors gave the green light to 326 new homes on Wednesday, October 19, despite opposition from neighbours, councillors and local MP Rupa Huq.

Under the proposals, the historic abbey will be restored and converted into 30 new homes, with the principal rooms designated for community use. A number of housing blocks will also be built, with one set to be six storeys tall.

More than 255 objections were submitted, with locals concerned about increased traffic, loss of trees and green space, plus a rise in air pollution levels. John Paul, a representative from the West Twyford Residents Association, expressed horror that woodland and trees would be removed for the construction of townhouses.

He said: "It is obvious from the objections of over 250 residents, our MP, our ward councillors, and the West Twyford Primary School, that the local community does not want this monstrous development and we are shocked by the planning's recommendations, to be honest. We believe this should have been thrown out at the preplanning stage."

Ward councillor Athena Zissimos urged the planning committee to reject the proposals. She said: "The area is a designated site of important nature conservation that deserves to be protected and should be continued to be protected. . The destruction of over 157 trees to build flats is not acceptable."

The site is currently Metropolitan Open Land, and one of the only green spaces in West Twyford. But it is currently under private ownership with no public access. Developers intend to return the space to the community with spaces to play and relax.

Developers have also committed to replanting the 157 trees that will be removed for the development, plus there will be a financial contribution of £100,000 to plant more trees in the surrounding area.

A statement from West Twyford Primary School read to councillors said: "The education, health and safety of over 400 children is being put at risk. The exit road is just centimetres from the school gates is of serious concern as it poses an imminent and unacceptable danger to families on their way to and from school each day.

"West Twyford and its surrounding greenery provide a calm and safe haven for our children. Children will be playing and studying near exhaust fumes. Clean air and a safe learning environment should be a child's basic right."

David White, the development manager for the Twyford Abbey site representing Latimer said: "Our proposal proposals guarantee the long-term future of a sitethat will benefit Ealing and the local area. [Proposals] will save the grade two listed building and walled garden from further dereliction."

Mr White added that 110 of the new homes will be affordable accommodation, 70 of which will be at London affordable rent. The developer will provide more affordable housing if funding can be secured. 

The manager continued: "Our proposal will deliver the currently inaccessible 1.2 acre south lawn as a new public park for all to enjoy.  It is important to us thatthe opening of this space is protected for future generations and we commit to transferring the south law to the London Borough of Ealing to safeguard this."