Final Phase of Friary Park Scheme Approved
Developers' claim that it is 'technically unviable' dismissed
The 3-D model of Friary Park with last phase on the right. Picture: Cap the Towers
May 1, 2025
The final phase of The Verdean, the massive development on the Friary Park Estate has been approved by the borough planning committee.
Councillors voted in favour after a meeting this Wednesday (23 April) at which they were presented with a council officer’s report recommending that the scheme be given the go ahead.
The application (243424FUL) by developer Mount Anvil working in partnership with housing association Peabody, was for the demolition of the remaining structures on the site and the construction of 693 housing units as well as a community centre and commercial space. The buildings in this phase will reach up to 24 storeys high and will be centred around a new street dubbed Friars Walk.
It is the third phase of the development masterplan put together by architects HTA Design with phases 1 or 2 either complete or in progress.
22% of the housing in this phase (148) will be classed as affordable bringing the sitewide total up to 470 which is 35% by unit or 43% by habitable room. Around 46% of these will be social rent or London Affordable Rent (LAR) with the rest offered on a shared ownership basis.
The applicants originally claimed that the scheme was ‘technically unviable’ due to the level of affordable housing included and that it would generate a deficit of £30.3million. It said that it was committed to the project and was relying on changing market conditions to generate a surplus in the future. However, independent reviews by Ealing Council and the GLA concluded that the scheme would generate a £18.5million surplus. After discussions with the applicant this figure was revised down to £4.2million and the developer was required to add 15 social rent homes and convert 22 from LAR to social rent with 5 more possibly to be converted with GLA funding. There will now be at least 252 social rent properties sitewide and 78 LAR properties.
The s106 agreement to be signed as a condition of approval will mean that the developer will have to make additional contributions if the surplus proves to be larger. As it stands the s106 agreements amount to £4.2million which will go towards education, healthcare, public transport upgrades and play areas. Additional non-financial obligations include employment schemes, parking restrictions, energy reporting, and affordable housing review triggers. This could include the funding of affordable homes off-site.
The public consultation on the scheme saw 153 comments by the public, all but one of which was an objection. Those opposed to the scheme did so on the grounds of height and density, the lack of affordable housing, impact on privacy and light and the pressure on local infrastructure. The council planners concluded these issues do not outweigh the planning merits of the proposal particularly the provision of new housing.
Peabody and Mount Anvil say they undertook extensive community engagement with existing residents throughout this process, all of whom have been given the option of moving into a new home on the estate. The final plans also include a new 450 sq m Community Centre, co-designed with existing users.
A spokesperson for Cap the Towers, a residents' group which is campaigning against the plans said it was 'disgusted' with the decision. The broadcaster Sean Fletcher, a prominent member of the group, spoke at the meeting and the councillors were shown a video which explained the main reasons it was believed the application should be declined.
Sofia Fernandes of the Friary Park Residents’ Steering Group said, “I’m delighted that Ealing Council has approved the third and final planning application to deliver more affordable homes in our new Friary Park community. This regeneration is a chance to improve the lives of all residents, and to give them a better future.”
Phil Jenkins, chief investment officer at Peabody, commented, “With new social homes, a fantastic community centre, and big improvements to the estate, it’s clear the regeneration is having a positive impact.”
Marcus Bate, partnerships, planning, communities & sustainability director of Mount Anvil added, “This win for residents is testament to the collaboration that’s taken place over many years in Acton… I can’t wait to see many more smiling faces on Friary Park residents in the months and years ahead.”
The grant of planning permission is conditional on the signing of legal agreements and is still subject to approval by the Mayor of London.
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