Forum Topic

Ealing 2026/LDF Public Consultations

For information, Ealing Council has been working on a blueprint for the future of the area, called the Ealing 2026 Local Development Framework.  It looks at how planning will be managed for a range of subjects that affect our everyday lives.  The Council has stated that good community and stakeholder engagement provides opportunities for people to shape the place in which they live, creating better and more sustainable communities.We are aware that the Council have plans for concentrated tower block residential development along the Uxbridge road and Western Avenue (Gypsy Corner), when we already believe that our part of the Borough is becoming overdeveloped with little or no consideration given by the Council to increasing the amount of recreational green space in the area, or the increased pressure on local amenities including doctors and school places. For example, John Perryn Primary School newly built and has no room for expansion in a period of increasing population. A further phase of consultation will soon commence.  It is important for residents to attend and express their views at one of the forthcoming meetings.  The dates for local venues are:21 September 2010 - Liz Cantell Room, Ealing Town Hall, 7pm (with Ealing Civic Society) - What will Ealing be like in 2026?5 October 2010 - Telfer Room, Ealing Town Hall, 7pm - A New Transport Plan for Ealing13 October 2010 - Oaktree Community Centre, Acton, 7pm – A New Infrastructure Delivery Plan for Ealing21 October 2010 - St Mary's Parish Church, The Mount, Acton, 7pm (with Acton Community Forum) - What will Acton be like in 2026?Further information about the consultation will be published in the August and September issues of "Around Ealing" and can also be found on the planning policy pages of Ealing Council's web site. See:http://www.ealing.gov.uk/services/environment/planning/planning_policy/local_development_framework/consultation/index.html

Siobhan Martin ● 5876d19 Comments

Most of you will have far more interesting things to do with your lives than read through dull looking council reports. Here’s a quick summary of how things stand.In June, the Council approved in principle a set of planning policies on which it is going to consult this autumn. There will then be a public examination of the plan by a government inspector.The main highlights are:14,000 more housing units in the borough by 2026.Residential and business development will be primarily concentrated in two development corridors – the Uxbridge Road / Crossrail corridor (particularly in Acton, Ealing and Southall town centers; around key stations at Acton Mail Line, Ealing Broadway and Southall; and, municipal housing estates including South Acton, Green Man Lane and Havelock) and the A40 / Park Royal corridors (particularly in Greenford town centre; North Acton and Greenford stations; Park Royal; and, other industrial estates).  Housing densitiy.  “Whilst proper regard shall be made to relevant London Plan policies…. the density matrix should not be applied mechanistically and the council will, in particular, take into account primarily the quality of the design, the location of the site and the need to provide a suitable housing mix”. So planning officers will pay even less attention to density levels, with more housing crammed onto available sites.Waste management. 70% of waste currently goes outside West London, the plan is to manage it all within West London. Does ‘managing’ it mean more waste transfer sites/incinerators? No clarity provided on this.Horn Lane industrial site. The intention is “to retain the aggregates and cement works to the north of the station as this is an important railhead for the distribution of construction materials in West London. Opportunities will be sought to reduce further the environmental impact of the industrial activities on the surrounding residential areas.” A railhead meaning vehicles travelling to and from this point. So no effort to encourage alternative developments and to take advantage of Crossrail to change the nature of the area.There is no mention of A40 Green Corridor at Gypsy Corner, which many residents have fought to maintain in face of TfL attempting to put bus depots/ high density housing on this site. The plan does identify the area around North Acton station as suitable for high density housing and tall buildings – draw your own conclusions. Schools. “Increase capacity at primary and high schools and provide new schools for the increase in population where capacity cannot be met. Deliver planned increases in capacity at existing schools.” But no indication given of how many schools and GP premises will be required, nor where these might be located. These are all draft proposals, so will become planning policy if not challenged.

Vlod Barchuk ● 5874d

Now if we had more councillors or ex councillors giving out information like this, and also on other issues, on this and on the Ealing website, we could have more respect, be better informed and perhaps encourage more debate about our future.While I don't always agree with Vlod it is miles better to have his input than none. So thank you. Let's hope a few other people in the know can contribute as well.

George Knox ● 5874d

Thanks Vlod, for a succinct summary of the current proposals within Ealing's 2026/LDF proposals.

Siobhan Martin ● 5874d

Vlod, thanks for that.  All important very important info.

Dee Cook ● 5873d

Bump, read Vlod's summary for a flavour (tho it is not totally impartial!) Planning is a popular issue for debate/complaint, the consultation meetings are a chance to contribute to how the borough gets it right. A further meeting for Acton/Park Royal is planned for November 10th, details to follow.

Iain Muir ● 5833d

Are there any rumours around concerning the location of a Waste Transfer Station/incinerator in the Acton area?

Dee Cook ● 5832d

Philippa Bond ● 5825d

Siobhan,I have been raising this matter in a number of places but it appears it hadnt reached here until you posted your item. An article I wrote for a rival paid newspaper is here. You can see what the LDF is about and why people need to have their say: http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/ealing-news/ealing-columnists/2010/09/21/cllr-gary-malcolm-do-you-think-ealing-council-cares-about-what-you-think-really-64767-27310175/Any questions or views please email me at gary.malcolm@ealing.gov.uk Gary

Gary Malcolm ● 5825d

GaryYou say "Without open discussion on these issues there must be serious doubt on whether Ealing is complying with the requirements of the legislation".Please advise on what proactive steps you will be taking regarding this assertion and what realistic results you may hope to achieve.Any???

George Knox ● 5825d

Hello Dee,On page 43 of the Development Strategy 2026 - Final Submission Proposals it states:pg 31/2"..To retain the aggregates and cement works to the north of the station, as this is an important railhead for the distribution of construction materials in West London. Opportunities will be sought to reduce further the environmental impact of the industrial activities on the surrounding residential areas.These proposals seek to explore the development opportunities surrounding the station in association with the refurbished Crossrail station at Acton Main Line. In so doing this will create more of a sense of place at or near the station and help maximise the use and attractiveness of Crossrail for Acton residents. The initial proposals also seek to consolidate and maximise existing freight use for aggregates and waste.."Page: 41/2"..Initiatives aimed at facilitating business and employment, while tackling climate change will be encouraged along with projects to establish Park Royal as a centre for high-tech green industries. The borough’s commitment to tackling climate change through new development means that Ealing is well placed to accommodate expansion of the green business sector, with particular opportunities in the manufacture of renewable energy equipment, low carbon technologies, other sustainable solutions, and waste management. In line with the policies of the replacement London Plan, the council will promote a ‘Green Enterprise District’ in Park Royal."Page 43:"..The Southern Gateway area was identified as having a lower potential for establishing a low carbon distribution network due to various constraints of the area, such as extensive rail infrastructure, highways restrictions etc. However if a network is linked with Park Royal there might be a greater potential for an energy from waste (EfW) network. Southern Gateway area may be of interest because of a proposed EfW facility declared cooperation between Ealing and Brent Councils, and a high level of interest from the Park Royal Partnership..."For some years now the Park Royal Partnership have been lobbying for a Renewable Fuels Plant (a incinerator by any other name, I am lead to believe).I believe this should be covered off at the Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2026 on 13th October 2010 at Oaktree Community Centre, ActonBest wishesSiobhan

Siobhan Martin ● 5825d

Dear all,For information, having attended both the recent Ealing LDF 2026 and Transport Plan for Ealing 2026 meetings, I noticed that there was no mention of the sites/plans for the West London Waste Plan at either of these meetings.I asked Steve Barton, Ealing Regeneration, at the Transport Plan for Ealing meeting why there was no information on the proposed sites for the WLWP at these meetings as within there Ealing 2026 proposals there was mention of a Engery from Waste Plant (incinerator) and how where we supposed to make an informed decision on housing, transport etc., if we did not know where these WLWP sites would be located?He replied that there was a delay with some of the boroughs being late responding and that the public consultation had been put back to January 2011!!!  When I tried to reask the question, he said we were out of time and unfortunately the meeting had to close.How are residents supposed to meaningfully discuss sites for housing if we are not being told where the WLWP waste sites will be located within our borough?

Siobhan Martin ● 5825d

"How are residents supposed to meaningfully discuss sites for housing if we are not being told where the WLWP waste sites will be located within our borough?"A very good point, we are being treated like mushrooms (kept in the dark and fed on BS) whilst an Agenda that the local populace has not agreed is steam-rolled through.I must read "1984" again, it's all coming true!

Rosco White ● 5824d

Regeneration is another word for thought police. What a creep.

George Knox ● 5824d

It's all very well reporting on the Ealing Today website that the Liberals rightly want more engagement by the public, when at the same time they cannot be bothered to engage in answering questions such as above.Time to change up a gear young Malcolm, is it not?

George Knox ● 5820d

Reminder, Ealing Councils development proposals and vision for Acton 2026, the first of these public consultation meetings takes place on:Thursday 21 October 2010 - St Mary's Parish Church, The Mount, Acton, 7pm (with Acton Community Forum) - What will Acton be like in 2026?2nd meeting on 10th November 2011 - What will North Acton/Park Royal be like in 2026? at Inco Ltd, Bashley Road, Park Royal, London NW10 6SN

Siobhan Martin ● 5815d

A REMINDER - MEETING TONIGHT - 7.00 PM - THE MOUNT

Dee Cook ● 5811d

http://gis.ealing.gov.uk/Planning_Policy/docs/Development%20Sites%2002%20ACTON.pdfThose living in Birkbeck Road, east side, should take a look at the proposed development which is proposed along the whole stretch of this road.

Dee Cook ● 5811d

Siobhan: Did you attend last week's meeting?  If so, are you able to give us any feedback, apart from the low turnout?  Thanks

Dee Cook ● 5806d

George,Your retort is rather cheeky since I raised the issue with this forum to raise this matter. The Council agreed they weren't doing enough. Not everybody used the web. The council are not consulting the groups it should (quoting its own site for groups to consult). I pursuaded the council to extend the deadline which is part progress.I met Ealing Council's Chief Exec last week about this and other subjects. He agreed when I stated the least the Council should do is to contact known residents and other bodies like transport-related groups who may have views as well.The council needs if it wants to do the job properly to conduct research via doorstep and telephone to see what people's views are about their locality instead of waiting for few to comment and so the officers viewpoint will stand. Hardly much of a democracy. Ideas come best from the    grassroots and not from a room nowhere near Acton?

Gary Malcolm ● 5806d