A DEVELOPMENT firm has welcomed a council decision to authorise the sale of an "important site".

Last week councillors agreed to sell the site behind the Town Hall known as Dickens Yard to developers St George.

Chris Madel, a spokesman for the company, said: "We are very pleased that progress continues to be made towards the regeneration of this important site.

"We will continue to work hard with the council and community to deliver a great scheme for Ealing."

"We are now hoping to submit a planning application for the site in the coming weeks."

It is believed the development proposals will include more than 700 residential units and space for 20 shops, which many hope will regenerate the heart of Ealing.

Councillor Jason Stacey, leader of Ealing Council, said: "This is a really important moment. It is the end of years of negotiations that were started by the previous administration and once this goes through we will become the planning authority for the project.

"If the Dickens Yard project is passed, it will provide much-needed regeneration for the centre of Ealing."