Arcadia scheme killed!

12.00.00pm GMT Wed 9th Dec 2009

The highly controversial 26-storey plan for the Arcadia site opposite Ealing Broadway station has finally been rejected.

Jon Ball, Liberal Democrat candidate for the highly marginal seat of Ealing Central & Acton, said: "I'm delighted by this decision. It's fantastic news for Ealing and a body blow to the Conservative Council. The hugely unpopular scheme was pushed through against strong local opposition, and this shows how out of touch the Tories have become with residents."

The Conservative Council spent £100,000 to defend it at the Public Inquiry last June. The Planning Inspector considered all the evidence and has now firmly rejected it. The Secretary of State has confirmed the Inspector's view.

"The Council must now take some initiative and give a strong lead to regenerate Ealing town centre, starting with a full bus/rail interchange on the station site," continued Jon. "We need a real attraction for people to come to Ealing, and must not overdevelop the area beyond what local transport, schools and health facilities can support."

Jon adds "Glenkerrin should come back with a scheme that reflects community needs rather than just maximising profit." He has written to them asking to meet them to discuss a solution that is in the interests of local residents as well as the developers.