26-storey tower planned next to West Ealing station

No sooner had we heard the news of A2Dominon’s planned 25-storey tower opposite West Ealing station than we next hear of plans for a 26-storey tower next to West Ealing station.

The 26-storey tower with 149 homes is called by the developers ‘the UK’s tallest fully-affordable tower’. The developers are Southern Grove and Thames Valley Metropolitan Housing (TVMH) who are also the team developing So Resi the 136 homes building on the old BHS site in West Ealing.

The development will replace the row of shops by the station and go into Manor Road. What exactly constitutes affordable in West Ealing is open to debate. Nevertheless, the 149 homes will be split between 65% shared ownership and 35% rented at the London Living Rent – a new scheme from the London Mayor which sets rents at a third of average local earnings. Other criteria include a maximum gross joint income of £60,000 for those wanting to buy through shared ownership.

There’s no question West Ealing needs more homes, especially ones that are affordable by local people. The concerns expressed by many local residents on the newly set up Facebook page about both towers centre on the height and appropriateness for this area.

There is a public exhibition of these plans on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th June downstairs at the Drayton Court Hotel 3-8pm. There is a website for this development

Come and support ‘Save Ealing Libraries’ campaign – Town Hall Tuesday 6pm

Supporters of the ‘Save Ealing Libraries’ campaign will be gathering outside the Town Hall this coming Tuesday 11 June from 6pm. There is a meeting of the full Council that evening at 7pm. The Council will not allow the petitions to save Ealing’s libraries to be presented at the meeting. Please come along beforehand to show them your support for the continued funding of West Ealing, Hanwell, Northfields, Perivale, Pitshanger, Greenford and Wood End libraries.

For details of how to support the campaign and local actions, email: saveourseven.ealing@gmail.com or follow the campaign on Facebook and Twitter