Forum Topic

Friary Park petition

Friary Green Residents' Association have launched a petition to ask the Council to rethink the proposal by Catalyst and stop the plan to build tower blocks up to 20 storeys high (or 29 storey, Catalyst are now saying).  Please do read and sign and pass on to anyone you can think of who might be able to see the tallest tower from, say, Crystal Palace!  The target is 3,000 signatures but we won't object to 10,000, so fire away.  :-)https://www.change.org/p/mr-martin-smith-chief-executive-ealing-council-local-residents-insist-ealing-council-keeps-skyscrapers-out-of-acton-central-w3-2?recruiter=289125017&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_twitter_responsive

Angela White ● 4145d11 Comments

Just to remind people that the paper petition is available through parents at St. Vincent's and Holy Family schools and will be at Derwntwater after half term. It is at Goodards Vet and Anthony Bell hair too if you are passing. We'd like if individuals would take a page to get their book clubs, bridge clubs, choirs, drinking clubs or any social group to sign, especially next week before the Ward Forum on Thursday. evening. If you would be willing to collect 10 signatures let us know and I will drop you round a page of petition or send,you aPDF to print off yourself. Whatever is easier for you. If you would put a poster in your window too, that would be great. The posters are A5 or A4 as you prefer.

Maire Lowe ● 4129d

We only need another 26 signatures to reach 200 (and we have a few hundred via the paper petition too).  We need to make sure we get control of this proposal before it goes to planning, so please sign if you're concerned about the future of Acton, not just Friary Park.  Thanks.https://www.change.org/p/local-residents-insist-ealing-council-keeps-skyscrapers-out-of-central-acton-w3

Angela White ● 4132d

In addition, we found this:TABLE 4BHigh Buildings or StructuresApplications for high buildings or structures which exceed 20 m (65 ft) in height or which are significantly higher than their surroundings will be carefully considered, having particular regard to the following criteria: 1.The building or structure should identify and emphasise a point of civic or visual significance over the whole area from which it will be visible.2.The building should very carefully relate to its surroundings and to other high buildings or prominent features in the vicinity.3.The site should be sufficiently large to ensure an adequate setting, including landscaping.4.The amenity and development of surrounding sites should not be impaired, in particular local and strategic views. Vistas and landmarks should not be immediately obstructed. Any building or structure permitted should not mar the skyline or important views (from within or outside the Borough).5. The building should take account of: (i) the effects of wind turbulence; (ii) conserving energy through passive solar design; (iii) opportunities for use of solar heat or photo voltaic cells; and (iv) the shading effects on surrounding land.6. Building will not generally be acceptable on sites in or adjoining Green Belt or Metropolitan Open Land, or within Conservation Areas or Areas of Special Character.

Angela White ● 4136d

One of our team found this planning policy on height and new buildings:Appropriate Height and Scale - which should be in scale with adjoining buildings (for further information relating to high buildings see Table 4B). Buildings should relate well to those it adjoins as well as the overall street scene. This should be done whilst also complying with plot ratio and site coverage standards or with appropriate residential densities (for guidance on the appropriate standards see the relevant SPG). (For information relating to residential density see Chapter 5). Local and Strategic views and landmarks (see Sites and Areas Schedule 10.8) will be protected from immediate obstruction from high buildings and any permitted, should only be located where they would not adversely affect the vistas and landmarks visible from these viewpoints.3.High Quality Architecture - should reflect the local character in townscape and/or landscape terms by responding to and reinforcing locally distinctive patterns of development, or on sites or areas lacking a specific local character, and on large sites; high quality designs should be applied in order to create a place with its own identify.4.Appropriate Materials - that should remain over time visually harmonious and pleasing, functionally safe and appropriate, energy efficient, ecologically sound, durable and easy to maintain.

Angela White ● 4136d

650 dwellings over twenty floors and just over the road the pollution source of PM10's at 6/10 Orange. The council is knowingly putting hundreds of peoples health at risk. The EU should put a stop to it even if the council won't?

Bob Crossley ● 4137d

Where did those figures come from Angela? I thought the Council claimed to have no money...And anyway the developer was talking about being "risk averse" and selling off plan. If they actually have to put in £120 million I will eat my hat, or kilt, or whatever :)

Julian Smith ● 4137d

So.....who is financing this 650 dwelling, 20 storey redevelopment?  Seems Catalyst (or Capitalist as they will always be known to me now) are putting in around £120 million and our dear old Ealing Council are loaning them £30 million.  So, who's driving this?  What's going on?  Questions need to be asked and answers given.  This financial venture, which involves residents' money, seems to have been in the pipeline for some time, pushed by Ealing Council.  Do we get a say in whether or not we want to finance this monster redevelopment?  Why haven't our Councillors told us about this financial deal?  Absolute disgrace.  Please sign the petition.

Angela White ● 4137d

Brilliant stuff, thanks Chris. I will bring you a poster. In two short bursts of activity at Acton Main station we had over 100 signatures. If anyone would be willing to display a poster or collect one page of signatures from people not on line, then tell Angela White, Chris Petrie,Don Kelly Jan Gale Farlow or me.

Maire Lowe ● 4145d

Have signed the online petition and also happy to display a poster.

Chris Hurley ● 4145d

Well done and thanks to all.  Here is the online version:https://www.change.org/p/mr-martin-smith-chief-executive-ealing-council-local-residents-insist-ealing-council-keeps-skyscrapers-out-of-acton-central-w3-2Please let me know if you want paper versions to get friends, neighbours, colleagues to sign.  Thanks.

Angela White ● 4145d

Happy to say first hour of asking peoplE to sign our petition a success. More than that Goddard vet and Emmanuel garage took signing sheets and fliers to show customers. I will be back at Acton Main Line station for one hour from 5pm and would be glad of company. Anyone willing to ask friends and neighbours to sign the petition and/or put a poster in their window please pm Don Kelly Angela White Jan Hayle Farlow or me. The target is 3000 signatures. On line petition coming up.

Maire Lowe ● 4145d