An Ealing MP has launched a scathing attack on plans to transform Oaks Shopping Centre, describing it as a ‘missed opportunity’ and ‘almost a retrograde step’.
The comments from Angie Bray, MP for Ealing and Acton, came just weeks before councillors are due to decide whether to approve proposals to build 142 new homes, including a nine-storey block and a basement supermarket on the site.
Most of the work proposed by the Acton Regeneration Company will be at the rear of the site in Acton High Street, where it backs on to Churchfield Road, with only minor changes to the front and the shops based there.
Ms Bray said: “Acton is ripe for regeneration and this just doesn’t deliver on that. If they don’t get it right this time it will be a very long time before we get the opportunity to put it right again.”
She gave credit to the developers for responding to criticism by dropping plans for metal cladding and reducing the height of the development.
But she also said it was beset by problems, saying lorries supplying the new supermarket would clog up Churchfield Road; no thought had been given to the impact of new residents on parking and other infrastructure; and that it is out of keeping with other buildings and would cut the light to surrounding homes and the green space at St Mary’s burial ground.
The MP was speaking to campaigners seeking an alternative to the plans, who run a blog called RIP W3 and claim the new development will be ‘the death of Acton Central’.
But John Bourne of the Acton Regeneration Company said the ‘high quality new foodstore’ and refurbishment of the centre would help link Churchfield Road with the high street and ‘breathe new life’ into the area, adding a dedicated service area will make deliveries easier and that there will be a bigger car park for shoppers.
Ealing Council officers and TfL said the impact on roads in the area is acceptable, the previously proposed tower had been removed and the scheme complies with all relevant requirements in terms of overshadowing.
A new ‘community facility’ will be provided on High Street and contributions of more than £800,000 will be given to the council for road, education, health and open space improvements.
The £40million scheme will provide 250 construction jobs and 70 new full-time jobs.
Councillors are expected to consider the scheme on October 16. If approved, construction will start in spring next year.
n Visit www.theoaksacton.co.uk to see the plans and www.lockedoutandboxedin.wordpress.com to hear Ms Bray’s comments in full.
