A peaceful canalside corner of west London may seem a world away from the glitz and glamour of New York's Trump Tower. However, a planning battle over a new development in Hanwell has drawn parallels with the US president's business headquarters.
While Trump Tower looms over Manhattan, residents in Hanwell fear that proposals for a high-rise block next to the Grand Union Canal will heap misery on the area. Concerns include an influx of traffic and negative impacts on local wildlife. The comparison is further fueled by the fact that the development is located on Trumpers Way, a relatively quiet backwater in Ealing.
Campaigners are fighting to block the proposals under the banner 'Hands off Hanwell, Stop Trumpers Towers'. Under plans from Francourt Group, 287 homes would be built alongside commercial space. The developer has named the new complex Elthorne Works. While nothing in the plans suggests a direct comparison to the gaudy 1980s style of Trump Tower, the scale and boldness of the scheme have been seized upon by opponents who brand the proposals 'Trumpian'.
Details of the Proposed Development
The three buildings would range from 10 to 15 storeys. The current proposals have yet to be considered by Ealing Council. A plan for 213 homes was approved in 2020, but the developer has now sought to increase the size to reflect growing housing needs locally, it has claimed. A consultation leaflet stated that 'with increasing demand locally for affordable homes', the developer is 'refreshing the plan to better meet local needs.'
The planning brief to the council reads: 'The overarching objective of the proposal is to bring the site back into use as a residential-led mixed-use development providing social rent houses.'
Residents' Concerns
Nearby residents claim local schools and GPs are already overburdened and that the site could be prone to flooding as drainage and sewage pipes are already at capacity. Additionally, as the development is next to the Grand Union Canal and Elthorne Park, opponents argue that increased footfall and traffic could potentially damage the ecosystem.
Ronald Lipscombe, 71, has lived in the area for many years and walks his dog in Elthorne Park. He said: '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. People feel very strongly about this and campaign hard. The developer has a big fight on their hands.'
Louise Cramer, 51, added: 'The area is rich in wildlife and doesn't have the shops and services needed for a massive residential development. I walk the dog around here, and with the traffic the development will generate, it will be log-jammed. 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 reporters: '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.'
Community Action and Council Response
The Stop Trumpers Towers Action Group has called on the developer to consult more actively with the local community. A consultation event was held outside Northfields underground station, but the group complained that the location was too far from the development site to be meaningful.
Labour-run Ealing Council has also raised concerns over the development, with Councillor Polly Knewstub having expressed these in a meeting with Francourt Homes. Francourt has vowed to consult residents about the development throughout the planning process.
A spokesperson for the developers said: 'We understand there are concerns locally regarding the proposals. Subsequent to feedback from councillors and ongoing discussions with the council, we are currently reviewing how our proposals can respond to these concerns whilst ensuring the benefits of the scheme can be delivered.'
A council meeting on the development plans is yet to be scheduled.
