Split over ‘grotesque’ tower

EALING residents fear they will be dwarfed by “grotesque” tower blocks which are set to get even bigger than originally planned. Ealing Council approved plans to build 990 new homes at Friary Park three years ago, but now that number is set to increase to 1,228 after councillors approved changes submitted by developers Mount Anvil and Catalyst Homes.

Residents urged councillors to reject the proposals, which will increase one tower block from 12 storeys to 17-storeys high, not far from the tallest tower, which will have 24 floors.

Cap the Towers campaigner and resident Sean Fletcher, said: “The Acton community has clearly expressed its views about this latest planning application at Friary park which adds insult to injury by imposing even more development on an already overdeveloped site.

“Almost 900 people have responded to the public consultation and given planning reasons for rejecting this application. Every big development like Friary Park has to have a certain amount of public open space but the developer has cramped this small site with so many tall towers and bulky buildings that there is precious little space remaining.”

Mr Fletcher added that there should be 43,000 square metres of open space, but instead plans show there will just be 9,000 square meters of open land.

He added: “You have to stop this grotesque overdevelopment. I urge you to reject this highly flawed and unsuitable application.”

But Cecilia Aridegbe, resident and chair of the Residents Steering Group, said: “We are seeing progress and love how the building works are coming along and we are excited about our future homes. Unfortunately, Friary Park is a sleepy estate, we want an active community where people will have healthier lifestyles, feel connected to friends and neighbours and feel a sense of pride.

“We love that the enhanced proposals include a community kitchen, which residents will use to run their charity, feeding vulnerable people in the community.”

Ms Aridegbe added that the community garden will be ‘therapeutic’ for residents, and the cycle hub will provide a much-needed resource for young people wanting to be healthier.

She added: “The proposals include larger balconies, the pandemic has affected so many residents’ mental and physical health because we have no outside space. We are now looking forward to larger balconies so families and friends can socialise together. The enhanced proposals will ensure we have a healthy, active and caring community. We will be heartbroken if this does not get approved.”

To fit the new flats into the development four blocks, though not increasing in height, will be increasing in size. There will also be new resident and community facilities on the ground floors of three of the new blocks.

In total, 455 flats will be affordable homes, with 315 guaranteed to be social rent and London affordable rent. The new estate will replace a number of low-rise buildings, three to four storeys in height, which were poorly laid out and insulated.

Demolition and construction began in March 2021, but the whole development is not expected to be complete until 2028. The first affordable homes are due to complete in early 2023 with private sale homes expected to be delivered in Spring 2024.

After councillors approved the changes, Richard Smith, Regional Managing Director for London at Catalyst, said: “Ealing Council’s endorsement of our plans is great news for Acton. Our plans for Friary Park will provide affordable solutions for many local people .”

BUT SOME WELCOME FLATS WITH LARGER BALCONIES AND

IMAGE: MOUNT ANVIL AND CATALYST HOMES