PLANS to redevelop Perceval House in Ealing as a tower block have been scrapped by the council.

The decision was mutually agreed with development partner for the site, Vistry Group.

Instead, the borough now plans to ‘retro-fit’ the six-floor building in Ealing Broadway to make it more environmentally friendly and to make half of it available to residents and businesses to use.

The ground floor will be opened up for community activities and two further floors will be available for businesses to lease.

The three remaining floors would be retained as office space for council staff and councillors.

Council leader Peter Mason said: “When this administration inherited the old plans for Perceval House, it was clear the proposals represented a huge change for the borough, with a big financial commitment and many years of disruption.

“With the old scheme now at an end, we can turn our minds to re-imagining a new council building, open to the public, accessible to residents’ needs, with the community at the heart of it.”

The change of heart has been brought about by inflation in the UK and a continuing rise in the cost of materials and construction.

Ealing Liberal Democrats say the Labour-run council’s plans did not stack up financially.

Cllr Jon Ball, Lib-Dem spokesperson on planning, said: “I am relieved the Perceval House scheme will not be going ahead.

“The tall tower was unacceptable right next to the Grade II-listed town hall, one of the most important buildings in Ealing’s Victorian heritage.

“However, this will leave a huge hole in the council’s finances and also in its affordable housing plans.”

The abandoned £275m development of 26 storeys would have included 477 new homes, a new council HQ, library and shops.