Friary Park Plans Go On Public Exhibition

But criticism that exhibition should have been held earlier

A housing association has been criticised for scheduling a public exhibition over controversial plans for Friary Park over the school holidays.

The estate - close to Acton Main Line station - is to be demolished and the current housing stock replaced with between 500 and 650 new homes.

Martyn Head of Special Projects at Catalyst Housing said:

'' The regeneration of Friary Park will vastly improve the housing currently on offer. As well as replacing all current social rented homes,the regeneration will create much-needed additional new homes for rent, shared ownership and for sale.''

However, residents have been concerned about the proposals with fears expressed over the height of some of the planned tower blocks.

A petition has been set up and locals say they 'totally reject having these towers foisted upon our area when more cost effective and environmentally friendly options have not been considered.'

Catalyst Housing has attempted to quash fears and produced a 'rumour buster' leaflet saying:

''We are publishing this rumour buster because we are concerned that inaccurate information about our proposed redevelopment of Friary Park is in circulation.

''This is causing distress to our tenants (many of who are dissatisfied with their homes) and residents of the surrounding area so we have a responsibility to address this incorrect information. At this stage all of our proposals for Friary Park are just that: proposals. Our proposals are not fixed and are still being developed. The changes in the plans are informed by our consultation with residents and other local groups.''

They say they are now getting ready to submit their planning application to Ealing Council for the redevelopment and ''are offering you the opportunity to review the revised design proposals.''

However, the timing of the exhibition - during the summer holidays - has been criticised by many residents who queried why it coincided with the summer getaway.

A spokesman said: '' "We wanted to have the exhibition as late as possible so that we can show you the most up to date plans. Schools break up on Thursday 23rd July, and although we had planned to hold the exhibition a week earlier, we did not want to clash with Eid celebrations

The exhibition is scheduled to be held on Friday 24th July between 4pm- 8pm and Saturday 25th July between 11-3pm at Friary Park Community Centre on Joseph Avenue Acton W3 6NL.

The Friary Green Residents Association (FGRA) will be holding a public meeting (all welcome) after the Catalyst exhibition. It will be held on Tuesday 28th July at 7.30pm, St Dunstan’s Church Hall, Friars Place Lane, W3 7AW.

22st July 2015