EALING Council has opted out of a planning appeal over a controversial West Ealing tower block scheme, sparking criticism from activists.

John Lewis Partnership wants to demolish its Waitrose supermarket to put up several towers.

Stop The Towers campaign group, which is against the plans, insists they would include a block the height of Big Ben.

STT’s co-chairs Justine Sullivan and Denise Colliver said in a statement: “The plans proposed by John Lewis are simply not fit for purpose in any way, shape or form.”

STT says 736 objections to the application were made to Ealing Council planners from resident groups and individuals.

The planning application was submitted in August 2023, but Ealing’s planning committee did not make a decision in the designated timeframe.

This enabled John  Lewis to appeal to the Secretary of State for a decision, meaning a planning inspector will now conduct an inquiry.

However, Ealing Council’s planning department will not contest the appeal or take part in the inquiry.

STT’s leaders said: “We believe the council’s refusal to participate in the statutory process is possibly unique in the history of planning in London.

“[Its] failure to rule on the Waitrose application or even to appear at the inquiry is nothing short of a bitter betrayal of the West Ealing community which has so vehemently opposed this disproportionate and detrimental development.”

STT will speak at the inquiry, which begins on November 19.

An Ealing Council spokesperson said: “We firmly believe all new housing schemes should deliver 35 per cent affordable housing as a minimum.

“Given the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, we no longer believe it is in the best interests of our taxpayers to pursue a lengthy and costly legal battle with uncertain outcomes. 

“We will therefore await the planning inspectorate’s decision on the scheme.

“We are committed to delivering 4,000 genuinely affordable homes by 2026.

“As a positively pro-growth borough we will always work pro-actively to deliver schemes that offer the best outcomes for all.

"[That is] homes in the right places, to suit all life stages, that are genuinely affordable and supported by essential infrastructure, amenity and green open space.”