From London24 """"""""""""""" QPRâs plans for a £30million new training ground remain in jeopardy as residents plan to raise up to £12,000 for a judicial review against Ealing Council. Councillors voted in favour of granting planning permission for the development of a training academy and community facilities on Warren Farm. At first direct, we won't bounce you around departments. We always aim to have your query answered by one person, based in the UK. That's why we have the most satisfied customers in the country. But members of the Hanwell Community Forum say that decision is âillegalâ, and served papers to the council. They claim the site, which is categorised as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), is effectively green belt, and therefore entitled to protection. Ealing Council leader Julian Bell refuted suggestions that the site was âgiftedâ to QPR, and insisted the decision was âsound and based on proper planning conditionsâ. But residents say that the council has failed to prove âspecial circumstancesâ in awarding the lease to QPR, and plan to begin a fundraising campaign to take the case to the High Court. Carolyn Brown, chair of HCF, told London24.com: âWe believe the decision by Ealing Council is illegal, and will now be consulting with our solicitors. âA judicial review is not something that we necessarily want, but it is clear to us that the council have acted irresponsibly. âWe want to make it clear that we are not anti-football. But this is Metropolitan Open Land space and it should be protected. âA new training ground may be crucial for Queenâs Park Rangers but it certainly isnât for Ealingâs tax-paying residents.â Warren Farm Sports Centre is Ealingâs largest sports ground, with up to 20 football pitches and six cricket pitches in the summer. It forms part of the Brent River Park Nature Conservation Management Area, and is home to a nursery, Saturday and Sunday league clubs and the Tamil School Sports Association. QPR have indicated that they will invest in the region of £30m into the site. But protestors say the area open to the community will be reduced by two thirds, with fencing and security preventing access. They also have concerns over building heights, scale and designs. A spokesman for QPR said the club remains committed to the project and will continue to work closely with the council to ensure that the planning permission and decision to lease the site to the club stands. """""""""""""""""""
