Following extensive consultation, the latest version of the new Local Plan for the borough was presented at the full council meeting on Wednesday (21 February) and is now published for public consultation.

This is a key stage in a long path towards a critical set of policies which provide a framework for shaping development in the borough over the next 15 years. This stage is officially referred to as ‘regulation 19.’

The plan will guide planning decisions on homes, infrastructure, climate change, jobs, and how we can address health issues and inequalities in the borough. The Local Plan also shows what needs to be protected, conserved or enhanced such as green spaces, canals, heritage assets, shopping areas and employment space.

Because of the long-term impact, this is a plan designed not only to improve neighbourhoods and residents’ lives now and in the next decade or so, but also those for generations to come.

Extensive consultation

Previous engagement undertaken on earlier versions of the plan, (also called Shaping Ealing or ‘Regulation 18’ was one of the largest consultations ever to have taken place in the borough.

Council leader, Peter Mason said: “Our vision for the local plan is one where growth is spread across all of our boroughs 7 towns, so that our residents can have access to genuinely affordable homes, good and well-paid jobs, and live in communities filled with identity and pride.

“We want to take advantage of the strengths that Ealing has to offer, unrivalled connectivity with 5 Elizabeth line stations, the A40 and the soon arriving HS2, industrial opportunity with Park Royal and Southall, and the wealth of green and open spaces across the borough.

“We’ve engaged with thousands of residents from across the borough on this plan, and we know that building upon these areas  will allow us to make Ealing a destination rather than just a dormitory suburb, where new businesses can grow and thrive, and our residents can live, learn, and raise a family.”

What happens now?

The plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval. Residents and others still have an opportunity to make final comments on the plan. These are called ‘representations’ and can be made from today (Wednesday 28 February), for a period of 6 weeks.

You can find information on how to make representations on the council’s website.

Why the new Local Plan matters

The Local Plan informs decisions that will be made and will impact life in the borough for years to come. For instance, it:

• provides a focus on growth and investment in the borough, for example, a developer tax to support growth
• promotes active travel to help reduce carbon emissions to net zero and improve air quality and the health of residents
• provides clarity on where ‘tall buildings’ are considered to be suitable and permitted in terms of function and accessibility, and do not cause significant impact to local character
• promotes employment opportunities and spaces, a fairer balance between new jobs and new homes and increased collaboration with local residents and businesses to create more job opportunities
• increases affordable housing at new developments by increasing the threshold for the fast-track route from 35% to 40% affordable housing

A plan for all our residents

The plan is a framework for important decisions. Policies are required to meet tests of soundness and ensure that the council meets certain legal requirements. But the different needs of neighbourhoods is clear and ‘one size’ doesn’t always fit all. Underpinning the policies set out in the plan is the fundamental principle that local people should continue to have a greater say in future decisions that affect the borough and their neighbourhoods.

Councillor Shital Manro, cabinet member for good growth and housing said: “Our plan is in some areas determined by national and London planning rules and guidance, but we set out to be ambitious. Ambitious in the scale of engagement we carried out, and ambitious for a plan for managing development and deliver investment in the borough carefully and sustainably for the benefit of everyone in each of our 7 towns.

“We have consulted widely – this is a plan developed with residents for residents and we will continue to work with residents and businesses in making key decisions so that all have the better, brighter and fairer future they deserve. “

Finding out more

The Regulation 19 document is available on the council’s website, along with a summary. A guide to making formal representations is also available.

Future Regulation 19 activities will be publicised here on Around Ealing website, and on the council’s social media accounts.