A final draft of the new Local Plan, which outlines Ealing Council’s proposals to shape the borough’s future, has been sent to national planning inspectors for approval.
The Local Plan outlines a vision for the borough’s development over the next 15 years. It has been years in the making with 3 years of public consultations.
Residents, community groups, and businesses were asked to identify key local issues and their views on much more besides. Indeed, the Local Plan covers a wide range of things, including planning decisions on homes, infrastructure, tackling climate change, increasing the number and range of jobs on offer, and how to address health issues and inequalities in the borough.
It also sets out what the council and local people have agreed needs to be protected, conserved, or enhanced – including heritage assets, green spaces, canals and shopping areas.
Another focus is on how to supply the borough’s need for more genuinely affordable homes and on meeting the Mayor of London’s overall 10-year housing target set out in the London Plan.
There is also a thread throughout the plan demonstrating how it can support the council’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030, both as a council and as a borough. This includes ensuring that future development meets the highest standards of sustainable design and construction, as well as adopting low and zero-carbon technologies, and increasing the number of electric vehicle charging points across the borough.
‘Roadmap to…a fairer, sustainable, and more prosperous future’
Council leader Peter Mason said: “We want the borough’s growth to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone in our 7 towns can benefit from it. Our vision prioritises access to genuinely affordable homes, good jobs, and thriving communities filled with identity and pride. The Local Plan is our roadmap to achieving this vision, paving the way toward a fairer, sustainable, and more prosperous future for the borough.
“The plan reflects our commitment to tackling the climate crisis, taking decisive action to protect the borough’s future while continuing to deliver the good growth that we need. We are determined to stay ahead in this ever-evolving landscape.”
‘Creating opportunities for every resident’
Councillor Shital Manro, the council’s cabinet member for good growth and new homes, added: “Our borough is rich in heritage and culture, with outstanding parks and green spaces and attractive neighbourhoods. The plan not only protects and celebrates that legacy but also ensures future development will create opportunities for every resident and every community to thrive.
“With land increasingly scarce and expensive across the borough, we know that we must make best use of the space here and ensure good design in any new developments. Doing that will ensure that we can retain our borough’s rightful place as one of the best places to live in the country.”
What happens next?
The plan will now undergo an independent assessment by the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which will also examine supporting evidence provided by the council. More information on the appointment of the independent inspectors and the details of the examination process will be announced shortly. Find out more on the council’s website.
