The Ealing Broadway Business Improvement District (BID) company is the representative voice of the businesses of Ealing Broadway.

The BID Board of Directors have had the opportunity to consider St George's plans for the Dickens Yard development and realise the crucial importance of this scheme for the future prosperity of the town. We understand these plans will be subject to the careful scrutiny of the Planning Officers and Committee in the context of the Local Development Framework and planning law. We would like to record our support for the Dickens Yard development as part of this review process.

As this paper goes to print, the Westfield Shopping Centre in White City opens.

This has created a brand new retail offer for West London which will have a profound impact on Ealing Town Centre and its ability to retain quality shops, bring in investment for the borough and support existing local businesses. Reports have suggested that we will lose at least £40 million per year from Ealing.

It is therefore imperative that the Dickens Yard plans are given the go-ahead at the 5 November Planning Committee. They will inject much needed investment into the town centre and help attract future investment.

With proposals for around 25 shops, including opportunities for small and medium businesses as well as cafes, restaurants and homes, Dickens Yard is integral to the re-energising of Ealing and the renewal of its position as a major shopping destination in West London.

On behalf of nearly 600 local businesses I would urge councillors to consider the importance of this investment by St George towards the borough's vision for Ealing Broadway. As well as bringing in new shops and helping to create nearly 500 jobs for the local community, it will improve the Broadway's landscape significantly with the creation of new spaces and places that will bring back pride to the centre of Ealing.

I therefore ask councillors to approve the planning application so that the regeneration of Ealing Broadway can really begin.

STEVE BREEN

Executive director Ealing Broadway BID Company