A LOCAL group has set out an alternative vision for the future of the town centre, just a week before planners are set to decide on another huge development.

Save Ealing's Centre (SEC) has today published a 32-page document it claims offers a more appealing alternative than two plans for development currently on the table for the Dickens Yard and Arcadia sites.

The group, which is made up from 26 residents groups representing 15,000 people around Ealing, was originally set up to act as opposition to plans for a 40-storey tower on the Arcadia site, which has since been scaled down.

However, the new plans put forward by Irish developers Glenkerrin still push for hundreds of flats and shops on he site, along with a 26-storey building, which goes before councillors next Wednesday, December 17.

Tony Miller, a founding member of SEC, said: “What we have tried to do is build a document which will give Ealing something to build on for the next 100 years.

“This document has been put together by architects, town planners and retail experts from our group, not just some NIMBYS with no technical knowledge.”

The document sets out some principles the group hopes will be taken into account when the council producers a local planning document detailing the vision for the future of the borough.

Among the proposals are a new large conference centre and hotel for Ealing, as well as an arts centre and more attractive shopping facilities.

There would also be a community facility based in a refurbished town hall, and a transport interchange around Ealing Broadway station to link buses, rail and cars more effectively.

Ideas also include no buildings higher than eight storeys in the town centre, and not more than five storeys on buildings facing Haven Green, as well as being sympathetic to neighbouring styles.

Mr Miler explained: “Crossrail is coming and it will bring big changes, which the current designs on the table do not take account of.

“Ealing is in a central location, it will be 10 minutes from the City and Heathrow, but we need to have something here which will attract people to come.

“If we are going to have a conference centre we will need a decent hotel.

“We have tried not not be too area specific with the plans to try and allow for these ideas to be incorporated into the existing designs.”

SEC plans to launch the document publicly in January, when it will be sent to planning staff and councillors, and host a public meeting on January 20 to debate the ideas.

However, he denied the plans would be redundant if the Arcadia scheme is given the go-ahead, after developer St George was given permission for another large development in Dickens Yard in November.

He continued: “Glenkerrin has said they will not start building for three years when they get permission.

“Just because they get permission for one thing does not mean that is what they will build, it does not automatically follow.

“The council can put pressure on them to change the designs, and this document can go a long way to getting helping shape the future.

“We have thousands of members, and the council should pay attention to that, as that is what local democracy is really about.”

The planning meeting for the Arcadia application is due to be held next Wednesday, December 17, in Ealing Town Hall, starting at 7pm.

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