Lib Dems Urge Centre Rethink
December 7, 2005 12:35 AM
Lib Dems Tony Miller (left) and Cllr Jon Ball scrutinising the Dickens Yard site
Ealing Council must rethink their decision on which bidder to choose for the town centre development at Dickens Yard, say local Liberal Democrats.
The Council is set to select the scheme proposed by developers St George, despite the Council's own planning experts judging the one put forward by rival bidders Helical Exemplar to be better in nearly all respects. "The Council admit that the St George scheme is an inferior design", said Lib Dem Cllr Jon Ball, who sat on the committee scrutinising the options. "They are picking it solely for short-term financial reasons."
The original Lib Dem response to the consultation on all the schemes, drafted by local Lib Dem Tony Miller, recommended keeping the two top bidders in the running to ensure the best elements of both schemes were retained. This was proposed by Cllr Ball to the committee but was rejected by the Labour majority.
The favoured scheme raises concerns over parking arrangements, impact on Christ Church school, and whether it will provide affordable housing of sufficient quality. "The Council must not sacrifice the long-term benefit to the community for an apparent immediate financial gain," said Tony.
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