Residents in Hanwell, west London, are fighting plans for a series of tower blocks near the historic Grand Union Canal, a development that has been likened to Trump Tower in Manhattan due to the road's similar name and the proposal's scale.
The development on Trumpers Way would see three blocks built – one 15 storeys high and the other two 10 storeys. Together, they would contain 287 homes, along with three industrial spaces.
Campaigners raise concerns
Campaigners argue the site, formerly earmarked for industrial use, is ill-suited for a large residential scheme. They say the number of parking spaces is insufficient for the potential influx of residents, and there is little public transport in the immediate vicinity. They also claim the tall buildings would block light from reaching nearby homes, including on Humes Avenue.
Residents have been campaigning under the slogan 'Hands off Hanwell, Stop Trumpers Towers'. They plan to meet on Tuesday to devise last-ditch opposition to the scheme – the same day as the US midterm elections.
Local opposition
Councillor Clare Welsby is urging Ealing Council to reject the proposal. She told Metro: 'I'm not against the building of new homes, but this is just the wrong place for a variety of reasons, including public transport. It's a big development in the wrong place. There has also been a lack of consultation with the local community. The area is heavily industrial at the moment with lots of HGVs and traffic. It doesn't make sense to build a huge residential development.'
Mother-of-two Danielle, who lives on Humes Avenue, added: 'The light in my garden will be blocked. There is also not enough local public transport to serve the residents in the new blocks. Parking is already a nightmare around here. Of course, we are not against housing – and especially social housing – but this is not the right place.'
Previous approval and new plans
A previous plan for 213 homes was approved in 2020, but the developer has sought to increase the size to reflect growing housing needs locally. A consultation leaflet stated that 'with increasing demand locally for affordable homes', the developer is 'refreshing the plan to better meet local needs.'
Residents claim local schools and GPs are already overburdened and want more consultation. Some fear the site could be prone to flooding as drainage and sewage pipes are already at capacity.
Ronald Lipscombe, 71, who has lived in the area for many years and walks his dog in Elthorne Park, opposite the development site, told Metro: 'We have a lot of concerns and this is overdevelopment as far as I can see. Elthorne is a beautiful country park; I don't want it spoiled. I understand people need homes, but it is the scale of this development that is the problem. There is just not enough capacity to take all these extra people in the area. The developer has a big fight on their hands.'
Louise Cramer, 51, added: 'It's no place for a huge development. We want more consultation, and we will say no unless this is scaled back.'
A boat owner moored at the Grand Union Canal told Metro: 'There are swans and a wealth of wildlife on the canal. It's a peaceful spot, and we moor here to get away from the rat race. To be overlooked by a huge Ealing version of Trump Tower will be heartbreaking, and I for one might move away.'
Developer's response
Developers Fancourt say the plans will boost local social housing with a target of 70% affordable homes across the three towers. A spokesperson from Fancourt Group said: 'We have worked closely with Ealing Council officers to refine the proposals, building on the existing implemented planning permission to remain within the previously approved maximum height while providing more homes. We believe this is exactly the type of development that can help meet Ealing's housing needs, while delivering on the government's ambition to build more social homes, with up to 208 much-needed new homes for social rent. We are committed to building these homes. It is those on housing waiting lists and in temporary accommodation in Ealing who stand to lose out if opportunities like this are not taken seriously.'
A final council meeting on the plans is expected later this month. Ealing Council has been contacted for comment.
