Following scores of residents protesting when Ealing planning committee councillors and officers came to see the site of Twyford Abbey last Saturday (15 October 2022) where Clarion Housing plans to build 326 flats spread across seven blocks at historic Twyford Abbey, West Twyford Residents Association will be speaking during Wednesday’s (19 October 2022) planning meeting at Ealing Town Hall which is set to decide if the plans will be approved.
Jean-Paul Beaini, who has lived in the Hanger Hill ward area for five years and been on the committee for West Twyford Residents Association for three years will be speaking at the public meeting.
EALING.NEWS caught up with Mr Beaini to find out more about why he is speaking out against Clarion Housing and its plans for Twyford Abbey.
How do you feel about the planning committee only coming out to see the site just days before they are meant to discuss it at the planning
committee?
“We are disappointed as normally much more notice is given especially as this is such a large development with potentially devastating consequences for the local area and community.”
The site has been refused permission previously,, why do you think they have tried again?
“The developers, who are one of the biggest in the UK, have tried to exert their influence using their extensive resources and a wide range of questionable tactics, for example circumventing the requirement for a viability assessment, environment impact assessment and using the extant planning permission for a secondary school as a blueprint for this ‘monster’ residential development proposal.”
What is your message to the planning committee?
“Our message would be this: the damage to the environment and the community that this development will cause is unthinkable. Notable objectors to the development are the Mayor of London and the GLA, our local MP, the adjacent primary school, numerous environmental charities and various local resident’s associations including ours. We are yet to see any noteworthy support for the scheme except from the developers. It is obvious this development is not fit for purpose.”
Clarion says in its plans that “Our vision is to open up the Twyford Abbey grounds to the public for the first time, providing access to previously closed off parkland and delivering much needed housing to the area”. It claims that 36% of the housing built will include 36% “genuinely affordable homes” and that the Abbey building will be saved. “Our aim is to preserve this rich history and restore the Abbey to its former glory.”
The proposals for the development will be discussed at a Ealing Council planning committee meeting at Ealing Town Hall on 19 October 2022 and residents and local Hanger Hill Liberal Democrat Councillor Athena Zissimos and Conservative Councillors Fabio Conti and Gregory Stafford have voiced their concerns along with Ealing Central and Acton MP Dr Rupa Huq.
On Ealing Council planning application proposals, out of 256 comments received (as of 18 October 2022), 249 have objected to it.
The Ealing Council planning committee will be meeting from 7pm at Council Chamber, Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, Ealing W5 2BY
