In a shocking betrayal, the Liberal Democrat on the Ealing Planning Committee voted alongside Labour to approve the controversial KT Summit House development at the top of Brunswick Road. This decision will bring a 13-storey hotel with a 300-capacity music venue right on the doorstep of two conservation areas.
Despite their repeated claims to be against overdevelopment, when given the chance to take a stand, the Lib Dems have once again voted with Labour and disregarded residents’ concerns. The Lib Dems voting to approve this project is a stark reminder that their words do not match their voting record.
The KT Summit House development will be a 13-storey tower looming over our conservation areas. Despite the council’s own tall building policy stating that this area is only suitable for a development up to 6-storey. The hotel’s rooms will overlook family homes, encroaching on their privacy and casting a shadow over the historic character of the area.
To make matters worse, this project will house a music venue with a capacity of nearly 300 people, meaning we can expect large crowds to spill out onto the streets after events, risking noise, chaos, and potential safety issues.
Even more troubling is the site’s location at a notoriously busy junction, Brunswick Road and Hanger Lane, already plagued by regular traffic congestion and tailbacks. The addition of a hotel and entertainment venue will undoubtedly make the traffic worse for local people. There is also likely to be increased parking on streets around the hotel, as the hotel will have no car parking spaces. This will increase pressure on local roads.
The only voice of opposition on the panel came from Hanger Hill Councillor Fabio Conti, the sole Conservative on the planning committee, who stood with the residents and voted against this reckless development.
It’s time to hold the Lib Dems accountable. Their actions speak louder than their words on key issues that matter to residents, just like with Manhattan Business Park at critical moments they do not vote to stand with residents.
