Woolworth's Facade
The latest proposal for regeneration of the old Woolworth's building in West Ealing is a truly dreadful piece of modern design that fails to preserve the much loved art-deco façade - one of the few remaining heritage assets in West Ealing, and an important landmark in our high street for almost 100 years. The façade should be preserved for future generations and should be sympathetically incorporated into any new design.The desire to destroy this heritage example conflicts with Policy 14 of the recently endorsed West Ealing Centre Neighbourhood Plan, is not supported by Historic England or the views of well over 1000 local people who have signed a petition in support of preservation. Application for the façade to be included in Ealing’s local heritage list was submitted in 2017 but no decision has yet been forthcoming from the Principal Conservation Officer and recent e-mails to the local authority remain unanswered. The proposal for up to 15 storeys is excessive and is completely out of keeping with the surrounding buildings, including the new West Ealing Islamic Centre. The proposal to reserve only 26 out of a total of 120 flats for social rent and the target of 35% affordable homes fails to meet both local authority targets and the aspirations of the London Plan. The proposed housing density also exceeds that specified in the London Plan. Objections to the planning application must be submitted before 8 June and can be posted on Ealing's Planning website for 96-102 Broadway,Ealing, W13. Anyone wishing to add their name to the preservation petition may also do so at www.wecnf.org
David Randles ● 2893d0 Comments