PART of Acton could end up resembling Las Vegas if the council pushes ahead with a new policy, according to a local residents group.
Bill Davidson, chairman of Acton Alliance, said he had concerns about Ealing Council using advertising hoardings to generate revenue for the borough, about £150,000.
The plan was discussed at a recent cabinet meeting. Under the proposals, the council would work with partner agencies to use space along Western Avenue for erecting advertising signs, with the proceeds going back to the authority.
But Mr Davidson said the policy could lead to a plethora of huge, instrusive signs more commonly seen in large cities in the United States, or more locally in areas like Hammersmith.
He said: “It would be like Los Angeles or Las Vegas. People are already worried about what the impact might be for residents in terms of overlooking people’s propety.”
Mr Davidson added that while residents have been able to shoot down proposals for large signs in the past thanks to the planning process, there are fears that such objections would be impossible in the future if the plan became a blanket council policy.
“The council are saying this could generate about £150,000 a year but that to us is not big money and does not necessarily justify the hassle that this could create.”
Julian Bell, leader at Ealing Council said: “Under the proposals, we would ask a partner organisations to see if there was potential to put up signs. If there was then we would follow the usual planning process, which includes the normal conditions such as the right of residents to object or for the planning committee to indicate refusal. None of that would change.
“Mr Davidson may think that £150,000 is not big money but that could pay for at least one borough library for a whole year. Any extra income for the council is necessary in the current climate.”
