SECRETARY OF STATE REFUSES PERMISSION FOR "FOSTER TOWER" IN EALING

On the recommendation of an Inspector following a three-week "call-in" inquiry at which the three sole objecting Rule 6 parties were represented by Thomas Cross, the Secretary of State has refused planning permission for a major mixed-use development on the Arcadia site in the heart of Ealing Town Centre.

The rejected scheme, promoted by developers Glenkerrin UK Ltd and supported by architects Foster & Partners, included a 90 metres residential block dubbed by supporters the "Foster tower". It had received the support of Ealing Borough Council, the Mayor of London, and many local businesses, all of whom considered it appropriate in light of Ealing's status as a Metropolitan Town Centre in the London Plan.

Nevertheless, both the Inspector and the Secretary of State accepted arguments made by the objectors that the proposal "failed to accord with the development plan in important respects" and that it was "essential for the design qualities of the proposal to be considered in context". The Secretary of State considered, among other reasons for refusal, that the "dominant and overbearing impact" of the proposal "would seriously detract from the distinctiveness and identity of Ealing Town Centre".

Tom was instructed by Pat Thomas OBE of Pat Thomas Planning Consultants.