Controversial 16-storey block of flats given the green light
PLAN FOR TOWER BEHIND ICONIC HOOVER BUILDING IS APPROVED BY COUNCILLORS
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a tower block of flats reaching 16-storeys in Perivale has been approved by councillors.
The build-to-rent scheme behind the iconic Hoover Building – now a Tesco superstore – got the go ahead for 278 homes, despite 328 objections being raised by residents over concerns for traffic, strain on local services, its height and the impact on the Grade II-listed Art Deco site.
A total of 68 flats will be affordable homes, making up 35% of the development to be built. Communal spaces such as a gym, work space and residents’ lounge will also be constructed in the building.
The decision comes after Ealing Council refused developer Amro Living’s original plan for 305 homes in a 22-storey building in September 2019. It was turned down due to its “excessive height”, which, it was felt, would particularly impact the Hoover Building and its iconic view from the A40.
More than 500 people wrote to the council objecting to the original scheme and there was strong local objection.
Among the objections for the new plan approved on Wednesday May 20, Ealing Civic Society said: “We applaud the reduction in height of the building since the previous application, which addresses the development’s impact on the view from directly in front of the Hoover building.
“However, the proposed blocks in this application would still be highly visible from other viewpoints, such as the surrounding low-level streets and several open spaces.
“They would also adversely affect the neighbourhood roofscape and skyline.
“Overall, the proposals would have an unacceptable impact on their suburban scale surroundings.”
Speaking on behalf of Perivale Residents group, a spokesman told the committee the development was “wrong” for the particular site off Bideford Avenue, adding: “It’s like trying to squeeze a large peg into a small, small hole.
He went on: “We’ve read most of the paperwork presented by the developer and find it’s like reading one of Donald Trump’s tweets, it’s ridiculous.
“We regret because of the current situation that you are not able to physically witness the degree of opposition by local objectors to this development and I’m amazed that the planning officer has agreed that this is acceptable.”
The objector also raised concerns over the developer’s fire test strategy referring to the ‘stay put’ policy and said the height of the building being reduced by 15 metres was still not acceptable.
According to the report, the development will include a sprinkler system, as recommended by the London Fire Brigade, and Councillor Chris Summers said it is understood the ‘stay put’ policy remains in place across London by the fire service.
The spokesperson added: “I do not need to remind you the Grade IIlisted Hoover Building is the most iconic building in Perivale but in the whole of Ealing.”
However, Ealing Council’s planning committee agreed the revised, scaled-down plan would result in “less than substantial harm” for the importance of the Hoover Building, and that Historic England no longer raised concerns.
Objectors’ fears over the development straining local services and infrastructure was also argued as resolved by the Section 106 financial contributions, which would be secured by the council from the development to offset the pressures.
So far £1,614,043 has been estimated to be contributed for local parks, air quality measures, education, tree planting and more.
In a video from Amro Real Estate
Partners, a spokesperson said: “These revised proposals respond in full to concerns of the previous committee, the significant reduction in the overall height of the building. A thoughtful redesign has achieved that by keeping balance the mass and the quality of architecture that was previously praised.
“We addressed the only reason for refusal, which was the height of the tower of the building, and the revised scheme is no longer visible from the key view to the south side of the A40 immediately opposite the Hoover Building.”
Debating the development, councillors said it was a “close call” and they were “torn” in deciding the application. Concerns were noted over the height of the building, lack of sunlight and balconies for future residents and affordable homes.
Councillors did however praise the 1930s design of the building catering to the Hoover Building era.
Summing up, chair of the committee, councillor Shital Manro, said: “The debate has been mixed, there has to be a balance struck...this committee has agreed to taller buildings in Perivale, this is not the first one, the precedent has been set.
“There is ultimately a compromise to be had and members have to make up their minds about where they fall down on this application in terms of the compromise they are willing to make in terms of increasing the supply of rental property.”
Eight councillors voted in favour, while five voted against.