Major redevelopment includes council land sell off
Ealing Council’s Cabinet has agreed a major redevelopment of Dean Gardens - known locally as Sherwood Close which will see demolition of the unpopular estate and the land sold off.
The estate in West Ealing has 209 homes and was one of 34 reviewed in 2007 to give the council a better understanding of residents’ regeneration needs.
The review showed that Dean Gardens Estate residents had low satisfaction with their homes and the estate in general.
Other key findings showed that residents did not feel safe after dark and were concerned about drug use, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour. Residents also commented on the lack of family sized homes.
At last month’s Cabinet meeting, approval was given to demolish and redevelop four housing blocks on Golflinks Estate in Southall. Cabinet also approved the chosen development partners, Rydon and A2Dominion, for Green Man Lane Estate in West Ealing.
Councillor Will Brooks, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The plans to regenerate Dean Gardens Estate can now start in earnest.
“We know from residents’ feedback that they want to see this estate revitalised and improved in many different areas. That is what the council is striving to do and we will continue working with local residents and businesses to ensure they are at the heart of these exciting plans.
However Eric Leach from West Ealing Neighbours says:
'' The Council is giving up its responsibilities as landlord and selling this responsibiltiy to an as yet unknown property developer. This abandonment of civic responsibility and the privatisation of public space is perfectly legal. As to whether this approach is desirable or in the best long term interest of rate payers is seriously open to question.''
Ealing Council will begin consulting with local residents and local stakeholders next month and this will last until approximately Spring 2010. It is hoped that the council will appoint a development partner in early 2011.
All Cabinet decisions are subject to call-in for a period of five working days from the date of publication of the minutes of the meeting.
November 11, 2009
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