Council Vote To Demolish Goldsmiths Arms Pub

Planning committee give approval for new housing scheme

Ealing Council's planning committee has voted to demolish a 200-year-old pub and replace it with flats.

The Goldsmiths Arms in East Acton closed its doors in September 2017, after being sold to developer MHA. Since then there has been a massive campaign to save it as a pub with nearly 3,000 signing an online petition.

Locals said it was one of the few community facilities in the area and wanted to retain it.

Despite the objections Ealing's planning committee this Wednesday night (20 November) voted by 9/4 in favour of replacing the historic building.

The proposal will see the construction of 65 new housing units in buildings ranging from three to six storeys. All the homes will be affordable, and the development will also have commercial space.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Jon Ball was one who voted against. He announced the result on the social media channel Twitter.

'' Replacement of 200 year old Goldsmith Arms pub with 65 affordable flats APPROVED by 9 votes to 4. I was one of the 4.''

The news has been met with criticism with the Liberal Democrat's Ealing Central and Acton parliamentary candidate Sonul Badiani saying, '' You made very good points tonight Jon. I was in the gallery and was saddened to see this go through. The community feels let down, but appreciated your support.'

Replacement of 200-year old Goldsmith Arms pub with 65 affordable flats APPROVED by 9 votes to 4. I was one of the 4.

— Jon Ball #JS4PM #FBPE (@JonBall) November 20, 2019

The new build should be finished by the end of 2021.

An Ealing Council spokesperson said, “The Planning Committee considered the application for a residential led development of the former Goldsmiths Arms site, for a second time, at its meeting on Wednesday 21st November 2019.

“The views of local residents and community groups were considered and fully appreciated and following considerable discussion, the committee resolved to follow the officer recommendation to grant planning permission subject to conditions and the completion of a S106 legal agreement. This agreement would include the requirement for the marketing of the commercial floorspace for a potential replacement pub for a period of not less than 12 months.”

21st November 2019