A peaceful canalside corner of west London may appear a world away from the glitz and glamour of New York’s Trump Tower.
But a planning battle over a new development in the area has seen parallels drawn with the US president’s business headquarters.
While Trump Tower looms large over Manhattan, in Hanwell, people fear proposals for a high-rise block next to the Grand Union Canal will heap misery on the area, ushering in an influx of traffic and impacting local wildlife, among other concerns.
The comparison with Trump Tower is further fuelled by the fact that the development is on Trumpers Way, a relatively peaceful backwater in Ealing.
Campaigners are fighting to block the proposals under the banner ‘Hands off Hanwell, Stop Trumpers Towers’. Under plans from Francourt Group, 287 homes would be built alongside commercial space.
The developer has named the new complex Elthorne Works, and while there is nothing in the plans to suggest any direct comparison to the gaudy 1980s style of Trump Tower, the scale and boldness of the scheme have been seized upon by opponents who have branded the proposals ‘Trumpian’.
Ready to start your homebuying journey?
You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from:
– Award winning service from the UK’s leading mortgage broker
– Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week
– Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market
Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won’t charge you a fee for their advice.
Find out how much you could borrow online
Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
The three buildings would range from 10 to 15 storeys, and the current proposals are yet to be considered by Ealing Council.
A plan for 213 homes was approved in 2020, but the developer has now sought to increase the size to reflect growing housing needs locally, it has claimed.
A consultation leaflet said that ‘with increasing demand locally for affordable homes’, the developer is ‘refreshing the plan to better meet local needs.’
The planning brief to the council reads: ‘The overarching objective of the proposal is to bring the site back into use as a residential-led mixed-use development providing social rent houses.’
But nearby residents claim local schools and GPs are already overburdened and that the site could be prone to flooding as drainage and sewage pipes are already at capacity.
Meanwhile, as the development is next to the Grand Union Canal and Elthorne Park, opponents claim increased footfall and traffic in the area could potentially cause damage to the eco structure.
Metro visited the development site, which is currently boarded up and surveilled by CCTV cameras, among other security measures.
Ronald Lipscombe, 71, has lived in the area for many years and walks his dog in Elthorne Park, which is opposite the development site.
He told us: ‘We have a lot of concerns and this is overdevelopment as far as I can see. Elthorne is a beautiful country park, I don’t want it spoiled.
‘I understand people need homes but it is the scale of this development that is the problem.
‘There is just not enough capacity to take all these extra people in the area. People feel very strongly about this and campaign hard. The developer has a big fight on their hands.’
Louise Cramer, 51, added: ‘The area is rich in wildlife and doesn’t have the shops and services needed for a massive residential development.
‘I walk the dog around here, and with the traffic [the development] will generate, it will be log-jammed.
‘It’s no place for a huge development. We want more consultation, and we will say no unless this is scaled back.’
Meanwhile, a boat owner moored at Grand Union Canal told Metro: ‘There are swans and a wealth of wildlife on the canal. It’s a peaceful spot, and we moor here to get away from the rat race.
‘To be overlooked by a huge Ealing version of Trump Tower will be heartbreaking, and I for one might move away.’
The Stop Trumpers Towers Action Group has called on the developer to consult more actively with the local community.
A consultation event was held outside Northfields underground station, but the group complained that the location was too far from the development site to be meaningful.
Labour-run Ealing Council has also raised concerns over the development, with Councillor Polly Knewstub having expressed these in a meeting with Francourt Homes.
Francourt has vowed to consult residents about the development throughout the planning process.
A spokesperson for the developers said: ‘We understand there are concerns locally regarding the proposals.
‘Subsequent to feedback from councillors and ongoing discussions with the council, we are currently reviewing how our proposals can respond to these concerns whilst ensuring the benefits of the scheme can be delivered.’
In a statement to Metro, the developer added: ‘We remain committed to working constructively with local stakeholders throughout the planning process to achieve the best possible outcome for the site and surrounding community.
‘We believe the current proposals represent an improvement on the extant permission that is already in place for the site, and we look forward to continuing discussions with the Council as the application progresses.’
A council meeting on the development plans is yet to be scheduled.
MORE: Controversial Rush Hour director tags along on Donald Trump’s trip to China
MORE: Donald Trump and Elon Musk reunited during China summit with world’s tech CEOs
MORE: The UK’s best burger has been crowned and judges say it’s ‘legendary’
News Updates
Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.
