A SCHEME to restore Ealing Village was approved at a packed meeting of Ealing Council planning committee on Wednesday night.

A £6m five-year plan to restore the grade two-listed estate is likely to get underway this year, with the support of councillors.

New roofs, external redecorations and the introduction of a double glazed replica of the original Crittall windows are planned.

The committee granted consent for the package that supporters hope will return Ealing Village to its heyday glory.

The once-luxury development, with private parkland grounds, clubhouse, tennis court and lido, has fallen into disrepair due to several decades of under-investment.

Councillors received a petition, signed by 111 owners and residents of the estate, many in the public gallery, asking councillors to back the proposals.

The chair of Ealing Village board of directors, Dan Johnson, said: “Anyone with a love of 1930s deco architecture will be drawn to this hidden, but currently faded, gem in the heart of Ealing.

“We are delighted we can now progress the essential repairs and redecoration to provide warm and damp-free homes for residents.”

Another group of long-term residents was opposed to the work in its proposed form. Their main objection was window replacement, which, they said, would almost double the cost and force many to leave the village.

A spokeswoman said: “There is widespread dismay at threats of legal action to claim up to approx £26,000 per flat to replace windows that are in good condition.

"Naturally residents are shocked at being forced to carry out unnecessary work on their own properties, especially when the majority had already agreed to pay up to approx £35,000 per flat to carry out important and necessary renovations."