With just one week left of a three month public consultation over plans to redevelop Dickens Yard in the heart of Ealing, the Ealing Times takes a look at the pros and cons of the scheme.

COMMUNITY action group Save Ealing's Centre, which comprises more than 20 residents' groups, has come out against the proposals.

Anthony Lewis is leading the campaign against the Dickens Yard application for the group, which was formed initially to oppose the 40-storey tower proposed for the Arcadia centre.

He said: "When you look at this proposal along with what Glenkerrin was proposing it would bring a total of 1,400 new flats to the centre of Ealing, with no plans to improve local amenities like schools and healthcare.

"The sites aren't all that big which means they have to go high, and these designs are completely out of proportion with the rest of the town centre."

Campaigners, who have been circulating leaflets to residents, say the plans exceed what was agreed at the public consultations last year.

Mr Lewis continued: "In the view of Save Ealing's Centre the Dickens Yard proposals represent massive overdevelopment.

"This view is also backed up by English Heritage, who have also said they think the proposals should be rejected."

In their report, English Heritage, which advises the government on planning issues in historic areas, slammed the design of the buildings and their impact on the views in the area.

It stated: "The major issue is considered to be with regard to skyline, silhouette and impact upon long views.

"Because of the heights, which are significantly taller than neighbouring buildings, long views within, though, into and out of the Conservation Area will be impacted."

Mr Lewis also said there were major concerns at the lack of overall plan for the development of the town centre.

He said: "In future years people could look back and see this as a missed opportunity to integrate the public transport in the heart of Ealing, with some sort of bus depot to get buses off the road linking with the station.

"Right now the infrastructure in Ealing can't cope with the requirements of 3,000 new residents.

"What we want is for the council to stand back and take an overview, rather than be pushed by the developers into these projects.

"There is not much retail offered in this proposal - it's more of a residential development with a few shops put in as an afterthought."