Planning Application For Controversial Hostel Withdrawn

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Residents demand investigation over the Council's handling

Ealing Council has confirmed that a planning application to turn two houses into a hostel in Friars Lane has been withdrawn by the applicant.

Angela Edmondson, Chief Executive Officer of Lambeth-based developers DiversityInCare Limited, had wanted to change the use of two private semi-detached houses at Nos. 53 and 55 Friars Place Lane into an institutional hostel for women and children - but following a huge campaign from local residents the application to proceed has been withdrawn.

Residents feared that the temporary accommodation could house ex-offenders, people with mental health problems, sex workers and drug abusers.

Campaigners argued that the proposed development would be in breach of the Restrictive Covenants on the "Goldsmiths' Acton Estate" which limit the use of each dwellinghouse to that of a private residence only. 

The covenants imposed prohibit anything which may be or grow to be an "annoyance" to other residents on the Estate.

Over 1,000 objections in both letters and petitions were sent to the Council.

Residents have welcomed the news that the application has been withdrawn but are furious about the way the matter has been dealt with by Ealing Council's planning department and are calling for a full investigation.

Read more on the W3 forum.

6th September 2011