SEC has condemned Ealing's planning Strategy document, which is now at its final stage of preparation, as being "neither legally compliant nor sound."

The Strategy is the key document in the new Local Development Framework. SEC has submitted detailed comments in response to the public consultation which ended on 3 December, after pressure on the Council led it to extending the deadline.

SEC's comments concentrated on the main Strategy document, as this is the basis on which all the borough's planning decision up to 2026 will be based. The latest version of the Strategy is meant to contain the final proposals the planners will submit when presenting the document for public examination by an Inspector next March.

SEC believes the basis of the Strategy is flawed, and that major changes are needed before it can be approved. These have been set out in responses to the various "Final Proposals" in the Council's document.

Other comments submitted concern more detailed suggestions for specific development sites in Ealing. These are at an earlier stage, but could still be used as guidance in any planning applications which might come up for decision in the future. They will be subject to a further round of consultation next year.

SEC has said it wishes to take part in the public inquiry in March.

A summary of the responses to SEC's own questionnaire, circulated at its public meeting in February 2010, can be seen elsewhere on our web site.



6 Dec 2010