Barratt is building housing at Western Circus next to the A40

Western Circus. Barratt Homes

A housing developer is encouraging charities and community groups in the Acton area to apply for funding.

The Barratt London Community Fund, part of the nationwide Barratt Homes and David Wilson Community Fund, has been set up to offer donations to both registered charities and community groups in areas affected by the company’s developments. They have been giving out £1,000 a month to groups in the vicinity of their developments across the country. The company made pre-tax profits of £910m for the year to 30 June in 2019.

“We are looking for charities and community groups that are really making a difference at a local level,” explains Karly Williams, Regional Sales Director at Barratt London. “It could be a conservation group that wants to improve the local public spaces and create habitats for wildlife, a plan for a new piece of play equipment in a community playground, or a lunch club for the elderly wanting to expand – every application will be very carefully considered by senior members of our team.”

Local groups and charities are encouraged to apply for the donation via Barratt London’s charity email address charity@barrattlondon.com. Applicants should make clear where their charity is based and what the £1,000 will be used for. One of Barratt London’s charity representatives will then be in touch if the application is successful.

The fund aims to donate £1 million to local good causes over the course of three years. Karly Williams added: “The Barratt London Community Fund has so far given us the opportunity to support numerous causes across London, including Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, Resources for Autism, Inspire Charity and Downs Syndrome Association. “

Western Circus, Acton is Barratt’s new residential development right next to the A40 which they are currently marketing. In addition to 364 new 1, 2 & 3-bedroom apartments there will be communal gardens, a supermarket and space for a café or shop. The first homes will be ready to move into from summer 2021,

There was controversy over Western Circus at the beginning of last year when Barratt Homes removed an arcade of cherry trees on East Acton Lane next to the site despite having previously given a commitment that they would remain in place. The developer said that they were removed due to their unhealthy condition and they will be replaced with an increased number of new ones.

The purple leafed cherry plum trees are believed to be around thirty years old and it would take at least 15 years for any replacements to reach an equivalent level of maturity according to a horticulturist we spoke to about the matter.

January 2, 2020