Council to crack down on giant tower plans
EALING Council is cracking down on giant tower blocks after angry residents complained the area looked like a “mini Manhattan”.
The new strategy was in response to local people exasperated over the number of tall buildings approved and built in recent years.
Under the plans, the council will actively clamp down on speculative applications for highrise buildings – and make it difficult for some other developments to be approved.
The restrictions will mean tall buildings will only be built at designated locations, including in Acton, Ealing and Southall town centres.
According to its new policy, Ealing defines tall buildings as “those that are substantially taller than their neighbour’s and/ or significantly change the skyline”.
Developers proposing any large tower blocks will have to comply with new design guides set by the council, which will require all buildings to blend in with their surroundings.
When considering applications, the council will assess the visual impact of any tower on surrounding views, its integration with the neighbourhood and any potential effects on the microclimate.
Any tower block application near listed buildings, conservation areas, landmarks or heritage land would come under particular scrutiny to ensure the immediate area was not severely impacted.
The council’s new guidance comes after concerns from residents that the borough was being inundated with high-rise buildings.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service in August, Neil Reynolds, chair of the Ealing Green Party, branded towers built in North Acton a “mini Manhattan”.
North Acton resident Nick called the towers “boxes” and added: “It’s a bit of an eyesore here that affects some people, but it’s better than some places.”
Announcing the clampdown, Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council, said: “We do not want to see the spread of skyscrapers in Ealing.
“London has an affordable homes crisis and a climate emergency, and we will not solve either with ever more luxury apartments in the sky.”
Councillor Shital Manro, who led the development of the new strategy said: “In making this statement, we are making it abundantly clear to both developers and planners alike what our expectations are going forward. Work with us to deliver good jobs, decent living incomes and genuinely affordable homes.
“If you are only interested in building them tall and stacking them high, don’t bother. We’re not interested.”