PLANS to knock down a popular East Acton snooker club and replace it with a multi-storey hotel are to be considered by Ealing Council next Wednesday (17).  

London Snooker, which has 21 pool and snooker tables, has more than 8,000 members and is among the businesses that would be affected by demolition of the 1930s East Acton Arcade at 93 Old Oak Common Lane.   

Avison Young estate agents have applied for planning permission, on behalf of an investor, to build a hotel on the site.

The site is also occupied by family-run businesses like Eye Spy Opticians, Al Manara Butchery and King Kebab.

Currently, the application includes a commitment to offer the current Arcade businesses the opportunity to have a space in the five-storey hotel building if it is built.

Rent, though, could be higher rate and they might be offered less space.     

Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq, met business owners on Thursday (11).

She told planning committee members, in a subsequent letter: “I cannot support this development as vibrant businesses within the existing structure, who have spent decades building themselves up there, face an uncertain future.

“If the council were to assist the businesses, this could be a much more attractive proposal.

“While I accept that the building is not the most flashy or modern, within it there is a well-loved optician and a snooker hall with tables unavailable anywhere else in London.

“Let’s not throw them under the bus in our haste.”

She suggests that, if the plan is to be approved, the council should identify alternative locations nearby and financial support if rents have to increase.

Nazia Khan, of Eye Spy opticians, said she and her husband had been running the business for more than 15 years and had in excess of 3,000 patients.

She said: “A lot of our clients are elderly and they find it convenient to visit us so we can service their needs. We need support.”

A total of 85 people have objected to the proposal. Among them is Mary Hawkins, owner of London Snooker, formerly Hurricane Room.

She said: “The club is not only popular, particularly with young men, but it is also affordable and provides a safe space to socialise, keep out of trouble, and sense the atmosphere of sportsmanship.”

Residents can express their views on the Ealing Council website ahead of the meeting next Wednesday, 7pm.