EALING Broadway residents have come together to form a group called Save Ealing’s Green Spaces to campaign to save Castlebar Playing Field, Carlton Road, from development.

It is designated as community open space and playing fields, which are afforded special protection.

Despite this, Durston House Boys’ Preparatory School has applied to build a three-storey, 540-pupil capacity building on the site, which the school currently uses for sports.

The application, submitted in March 2019 is to be determined by Ealing planner next Wednesday (15).

Save Ealing’s Green Spaces say it will result in the loss of playing fields, tennis courts and 45 mature trees and will add to traffic issues in Carlton Road.

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The group says it also conflicts with Ealing Labour’s 2018 manifesto commitment to deliver affordable housing, champion comprehensive education and protect and enhance green and open spaces.

Nic Moran, its spokesperson, said: “The scheme will permanently take away precious green space in Ealing and cause great harm to the local environment.

“Ealing Council declared a climate emergency in April and has pledged to protect and enhance community green open spaces and playing fields for future generations.

“We call on it to honour these commitments to Ealing residents.”

The group has been joined in opposing the application by Central Ealing Residents Association and Gordon Road and Surrounding Streets Residents’ Association, while more than 700 people have written letters of objection.