Review raises questions over Leaf

2:24pm Wednesday 7th November 2007

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A NEW review of proposals for a major development in the centre of Ealing says plans for buildings fronting Haven Green are not "successful".

But The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) report, which looks at controversial plans to redevelop the Arcadia centre, says a "convincing case" has been made for tall buildings, including the 40-storey tower named The Leaf.

It also calls into question Ealing Council's policy on tall buildings.

Despite being dated, Thursday, October 18, the report was published on CABE's website, on Tuesday this week.

It questions the impact proposed buildings fronting onto Haven Green would have, saying: "Our main reservation about the urban design of this scheme relates to the three finger blocks.

"We do not think they are successful in terms of townscape or architectural expression, indeed The Leaf brings even more attention to our concerns."

However, the report is broadly supportive of The Leaf's design, but does call into question the relationship the building would have with the rest of the town centre.

It says: "We think a convincing case has been made for the principle of tall buildings on this site, however we are not yet convinced that their impact has been assessed in relation to the broader townscape.

"A tall building in this area would be a radical departure from the predominantly suburban character of Ealing.

"We urge the local authority to develop a tall buildings policy now, to ensure developments of this scale conform to a specific vision for the future of Ealing, rather than driving the agenda."

Nick Woolven, chair of new pressure group Save Ealing's Centre (SEC), which has been formed to voice residents' objections to the plans, has welcomed the comments.

He said: "We are imploring the council to take CABE's advice and seriously consider a review of the planning application.

"I don't think anyone is saying that The Leaf does not have a place somewhere, perhaps in Hong Kong or central London.

"But it does not fit in with the centre of Ealing."

SEC has now set up a website, which aims to answer residents' questions.

It is also planning a public meeting for a general discussion about the project by the end of November.

The full CABE report can be read on the organisation's website www.cabe.org.uk.

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