Labour’s plans for a town centre shake-up will face scrutiny after the opposition say Ealing could be turned into an ‘overpriced concrete jungle’.

Ealing Council’s proposals to turn part of Ealing’s iconic town hall into a hotel, flatten Perceval House for housing and relocate Ealing Central Library will be discussed at a scrutiny meeting next Thursday (November 13) after being called in by the Conservatives.

Conservative deputy leader Councillor Tony Young said: “There is the potential loss of community space with regards to the town hall becoming a hotel and the large public library moving from a prominent area in the centre.

“The meeting is public and I encourage residents to come and listen to Labour explaining how their plans will improve central Ealing. As it stands, it will turn it into an overpriced concrete jungle. 

“The flats will be priced beyond the means of local residents and the town hall will only be available to those prepared to pay £149 a night.”

Leader of the council Julian Bell has fought back by saying the current maintenance costs of the building are huge, the interior is tired and the council can no longer afford to maintain the building thanks to the £96 million worth of cuts the Tory-led Government is making.

He added: “Labour’s ambitious plans will safeguard the town hall by protecting the listed façade and ensuring the current level of community space is protected, the quality of it is enhanced as well as remaining affordable. The plans will also maintain the town hall as the heart of the boroughs democracy. All of this will be delivered whilst reducing running costs.

“The plan for Perceval House reflects the fact that due to the cuts we will have fewer staff and therefore will need less office space. By redeveloping the building we can save money and build more housing, which is desperately needed to combat the housing crisis we are currently facing.

“We will also be able to relocate the library into a purpose built location making it more accessible to the public and possibly a focal point for the west end of Ealing town centre.”

Plans are still being developed, the council is asking developers for proposals and no final decisions on designs and locations have been taken.