New development set for centre of Ealing (From Ealing Times)

New development set for centre of Ealing

10:26pm Wednesday 5th November 2008

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THE possibility of 700 new homes being built in the heart of Ealing came a step closer tonight.

Only two councillors on the eight strong Planning Committee voted against plans put forward by developer St George to build on land behind the Town Hall known as Dickens Yard.

More than 100 local residents packed into a room to watch a video link of the proceedings in the council chamber.

Nick Woolven, the chairman of Save Ealing's Centre, a residents' group set up to oppose the development, said he was “very disappointed” wit the decision, which saw si of the eight panel members vote in favour of the project.

While the developer has permission from Ealing Council the plans now have to pass through Mayor of London Boris Johnson's office before any building work can begin.

Earlier the packed chamber heard how the plans would bring around 450 new permanent jobs to the town centre, and create new affordable housing to help young people get onto the property ladder.

Opponents of the scheme, which included four local ward councillors, claimed the plans represent overdevelopment.

For a more detailed report of the meeting and reaction, log onto the Ealing Times website tomorrow.

What do you think of the decision? Leave your comments below.

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