Day 1 - Public Inquiry into the CPO of The Green, Southall
Tue 11 Oct 2022
There was a protest outside Ealing Town Hall before the start of the inquiry against this towering development in Southall. They were chanting "Stop the Towers", "Save our People" and "Save our Businesses".
Matthew Nunn, the Inquiry Inspector, appointed by the Secretary of State outlined the process that is going to be followed for the next 6 to 8 days.
The inquiry is not looking at the merits of the development, the planning permission shortcomings or compensation amounts being offered.
The Public Inquiry will only consider whether the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) should be confirmed or not.
The Inspector pointed out that as the Council will be making their case for the first few days, objectors may feel that Ealing Council is having it all their way. Objectors will be allowed to have their say later.
He advised the objectors to remain restrained whether in agreement or against the person speaking. To listen and ask questions later. The objectors will later be allowed to present their points of view.
The Inspector said: "I appreciate there is a lot of frustration about the scheme and Ealing Council", "anger and concern", "serious concern about infrastructure, parking and towers".
The Inquiry Inspector, Mr Dunn, had many interruptions due to strong uncontrollable emotional feeling by some objectors. He was very pleasant and handled the matters sensitively and this was recognised by all present.
Eaing Council representatives went through all the procedure they went through.
A lot of objectors made their feeling known.
The developer carried out extensive consultations over a period of years and nobody can claim to be unaware of what was going on.
When the Tudor Rose was removed from the demolition list, the St Anselm's Church land became part of the development due to the widening of the road. Carol Hayes (St Anselm's Church) said: "We were not consulted. At no point were we told about it or consulted. We asked for dialogue and got nothing." That is the type of consultations residents complain about. All the (legal) boxes were ticked but the reality was different.
Just one item of discussion is listed below.
There are currently 150 public car parking spaces in the Council owned car park. There are also 39 other parking spaces for nearby businesses. That makes a total of 189 spaces. All this will be replaced with 90 public parking spaces.
There will be 50 parking spaces behind St Anslem church.
40 parking spaces where the temporary huts are at present.
60 residential for new residents
This will be updated with more information later.
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