THE scale of the proposed Waitrose development in West Ealing is made clearer by a video released during the ongoing planning inquiry into the scheme.
John Lewis Partnership shared a film lasting nearly three minutes, which simulated driving around the area after the tower blocks were built.
It demonstrates how the new buildings mix with the mainly two-storey housing in nearby residential streets.
Previous computer-generated images, released by JLP when it made its application to Ealing Council, did not show the height of the buildings in context.
Campaigners described the size of the scheme as shocking after seeing the video for the first time.
Justine Sullivan, of Stop The Towers, said: "Normally the John Lewis Christmas adverts are something of a pleasure to watch.
“It's a shame these videos won't be sending any feelings of Christmassy joy to the thousands of residents in Ealing who will have to look at them for years to come if the scheme goes ahead."
The inquiry, which is being held at Perceval House in Ealing, began this month.
JLP is appealing against Ealing Council’s failure to determine the planning application in the time allowed.
It claims that losses from a delay to the project, to build 428 flats and a new store, will cost it £77.8m.
Controversially, Ealing Council chose not to take part in the current inquiry, though it is being represented by a King’s Counsel.
Council leader Peter Mason had publicly voiced opposition to the scheme on his Twitter/X account in February 2023.
This has resulted in opposition to the development being led by Stop The Towers, which is focusing on the size and density of the scheme.
Neighbour and TV personality Mel Giedroyc said: "West Ealing is an outer suburb of London and JLP’s massive scheme will just swamp it.
“Not only does it ignore what's in the local plan, with regards to height limit, it also offers only 19% affordable homes and not the expected 35% for all new builds.
“None of these new flats will even go to the 12,000 on the housing list.
“The only people representing the views of residents at the planning inquiry is volunteer group Stop The Towers who I whole heartedly support."
Opponents of the scheme were given the opportunity to speak on the first two days of the inquiry.
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