Plans For 'Micro' Living In Ealing


Could tiny one bed flats be the answer to help tackle housing demand?

Concerns have been raised about new plans to redevelop a notorious cul-de-sac in West Ealing which could see much smaller than normal flats being built.

Chignell Place, off The Broadway, is lagely rundown and derelict and has over the years been the scene of anti-social behaviour and crime. Plans are afoot to demolish the current buildings and build a new block of 63 so called 'micro' flats which would be available for rent.

Developers Binfield Properties are aiming for a mixed-use development in the block of up to 8 storeys with flats, a cafe and business units. There say there would be communal areas and facilities including a 24hour concierge, laundry rooms, a lounge, meeting rooms and bike lockers, - no parking would be available.

According to their planning application the flats would be built to the same standard as a 'quality hotel’ and be fitted with kitchen, shower, modular sofas, built in furniture, fold-up beds and tables.

However, the proposed size of 24sq m falls well short of the general guidance for a one person dwelling which is 37 sq m.

The so called ‘Uxbridge Road/Crossrail Corridor' area needs to provide 9,000 extra housing units by 2026 and the fears are that if such tiny flats are given the go-ahead it could open the floodgates for more such developments.

Objections have been made on the council's planning portal, including: '' It is unacceptable to expect anyone to live in such a small space and I think it would be detrimental to the area if this was to set a precedent moving forward.’’

Developers, landlords and property experts argue that micro apartments are helping deal with the housing shortage in London and provide a cheaper rental option.

The Planning Application reference is 184490FUL and can be view on the planning website.

The deadline for comments is 30 November 2018.

November 28, 2018