SEC Says Residents Are Seeing Through the Sizzle and Spin

After a packed public meeting on the 'Leaf Development'

Save Ealing's Centre (SEC) has branded the 'Leaf Development' application 'profiteering at the expense of the public realm', following a packed public meeting at which Sean O'Gorman of developers Glenkerrin spoke.

The packed meeting saw more than 50 turned away as Ealing residents filed in to hear more about the centre's future. A good turn out had been expected, but more than 350 attendees have given SEC what they see as a 'clear mandate to continue pressing Council and Glenkerrin'.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairman of SEC, Nick Woolven remained resolute: "The recent public meeting ...was proof enough that Ealing residents see through the sizzle and spin that Glenkerrin are peddling.

"Yes, Ealing needs regeneration and development, but under the covers this proposal will not give Ealing anything it really needs for the next generation to inherit, save a dense overdevelopment dominated by a wholly inappropriate mega-block."

Mr Woolven questioned the developers' town planning credentials: "Glenkerrin clearly fancy themselves as doing the Council's job, announcing their role as 'leading the strategic redevelopment in Ealing'. Whoever heard of a commercial organisation adopting such a philanthropic approach?"

SEC told EalingToday they consider the application premature in light of the CABE (industry watchdog) report findings and also called for the developers to take into account an imminent Tibbald report.

"This should help the Council overcome its lack of a current Town Centre development strategy, its policy for tall buildings, its integrated policy for transportation and its policy for appropriate levels of affordable housing.

"All these policies need to be in place before any decision can be even considered and I would urge residents to write to the Council before the 14th December to make their views clear. Ealing deserves better!"

December 5, 2007