Controversial planning application which it's claimed will part privatise the fields

There's increasing concern over a controversial planning application for North Acton Playing Fields after residents say a tree has been unnecessarily cut down.

( pic from @WestActRA via twitter)

The application from a private football club 'Samurai' is to convert part of the fields on Eastfields Road and add floodlights.

It's proposed the existing grass football pitch (north of the tennis courts) is changed into a new '3G' floodlit football pitch and a new '3G' floodlit Multi-Use Games Area.

The application also includes the erection of a new changing pavilion and kiosk to the west of Park Lodge (where the former garage/storage building was) and the existing southernmost cricket pitch in North Acton Park would be moved to facilitate the above changes.

Residents are angry with the proposals which they say will fence off part of the land for private use. Many objections have already been sent in to the council.

'' This is public park, access to all. This new development wants to cut down mature trees , fence off areas, and generally turn it into a sports club. There has been football, tennis, cricket played here for many years alongside family fun, dog walking, sunbathing picnics. It is our local park green space . Please let us enjoy it as it is and has been.''

They are now demanding answers from the council following the discovery that a Willow tree on part of the land has been felled - before any permissions have been granted.

An Ealing Council spokesperson has told us: “The tree in question is a mature Willow in the centre of the playing field.

“It was inspected last week and found to be extensively decayed and in very poor health. It was completely hollow with very little residual sound wood remaining, the tree had suffered severe fire damage previously and this probably increased the advancement of the decay.  The Council instructed contractors (Advanced Tree Services) to fell it the next day.

“The felling of this tree is completely unrelated to any future plans for the site.

“The tree stem will remain on site as the ground is currently too wet to consider extraction. The operative who felled it would have approached on foot, because of the wet ground.

“A jointly funded venture between Ealing Council and the Greater London Authority has meant that many new trees have been planted this winter in North Acton Playing Fields and the surrounding streets which will greatly enhance the amenity and character of this open space, creating green corridors in the adjacent streets.” 

The Application reference is 185913FUL. Documentation can be viewed here

The consultation ended on 11/02/2019.

February 14, 2019 ( updated)