Plan to increase height of Portal Way tower to over 50 storeys

The original smaller towers planned at Portal Way. Picture: City and Docklands Property

A planned North Acton tower block that was described by local MP Rupa Huq as a monstrosity is to get even larger if a revised application by the developer is approved.

In July 2016 councillors on Ealing’s planning committee gave the go ahead to a project at Six Portal Way which included a skyscraper of 42 storeys. The tower is part of a larger complex being developed by City and Docklands Property Development Group and is among a cluster of skyscrapers currently being planned for that area including the redevelopment of the Carphone Warehouse site and the Perfume Factory.

Now a new planning application has been submitted to increase the height of the main tower by ten storeys and adjacent block would be increased by 4 storeys. This would allow 97 extra one and two bedroom flats to be provided in the development bringing the total number to over 700. The developers say that 35% of the extra flats would be classed as affordable. There is also a plan to build a 55 storey tower next door on the Holiday Inn site.

Ealing Council's planning committee voted by a majority of 8 to 3 to approve the original plan at Six Portal Way. At the time, Rupa Huq said the building was a monstrosity and that 'this is Acton not Manhattan'. However, there was support for the development from some local Councillors. Liberal Democrat Gary Busuttil said, "Not only does this application provide good quality, well designed housing, it provides commercial space, parking, jobs, and new amenities such as a health centre, shops, restaurants, and improved public realm."

The developers say they have widely consulted with local residents about the plan and there was broad support at a public exhibition held in March at the Holiday Inn which they promoted by sending out fliers. 15 people attended and nine feedback forms were completed. There was no promotion of the event in local media.

In a report on their engagement with the public over the project it is stated, "Feedback from stakeholders has been largely positive. Stakeholders welcomed the opportunity to be consulted on the proposals and support the provision of new homes on this site.”

You can see more details of the application and make any comment on the planning section of the Ealing Council web site.

July 3, 2019