Council bow to pressure to allow more involvement
The consultation over the future of Ealing has been extended after complaints that too few residents have been involved in the process.
The Local Development Framework (LDF) is looking at how Ealing may change over the next 16 years.
Public meetings have been held throughout the borough but with low attendances few residents seem to be aware.
The Liberal Democrats called on the Council to extend the consultation deadline in an attempt to encourage more local participation.
A council spokesperson told Ealingtoday.co.uk :
'' In response to requests from residents we have now decided to extend the period of consultation on the Development Strategy until 30 November 2010. This brings it into line with the closing date for other related documents and provides an additional opportunity for people to look in detail at the reports.''
Councillor Gary Malcolm, Ealing's Liberal Democrat Leader, welcomed the news:
" The Council has often had a track record of poor communication and on consulting residents' views. The Liberal Democrats are to raise the matter at the Southfield ward panel in November and want to see all ward panel chairs doing the same across the whole borough.
''The LDF may appear to be a dry subject but the Council plan when finalised will determine what types of applications the Council may agree to. If done badly, with little resident input, we could end up housing residents in densely-packed, tall skyscrapers."
October 21st 2010
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