A £40 million shopping and leisure complex is still being considered despite deep-seated opposition from residents and traders.

Councillors last week decided to leaflet every home and business near the planned development behind the Town Hall in New Broadway after hearing that the Ealing Centre Partnership had rejected the proposal.

The scheme, which may cost up to £40million, could include a shopping centre, cinema, cafes, a fitness centre, offices and homes in the 17,800 square metre Dickens Yard site in Gordon Road.

Plans have also been discussed to relocate Safeway and the central library from the Broadway Centre in The Mall, Ealing to the new development.

The proposal, which has been modified in light of comments made by residents, now goes to public consultation beginning in January 2002 and lasting until spring. The Ealing Centre Partnership a collective of businesses and residents' groups criticised the plans because of congestion fears and a lack of car parking space.

David Hughes, a member of the partnership and spokesman for the Park Community residents' group, said: "Ealing Centre Partnership's members were universally critical of the plan for the Dickens Yard site because of car parking.

"Residents will not stand for a development that requires car parking which rules out supermarkets and cinemas."

And Cllr Ian Green, leader of Ealing Conservative group, said: "When the previous consultation went out, residents and traders said specifically that they didn't want retail built on that site. Meanwhile, we have town centres in Acton, Greenford and West Ealing that are crying out for new shops and investment. I imagine this complex could cost up to £40 million."

But Cllr Stephen Sears, cabinet member for regeneration and planning policy, said: "The consultation will be an important guide as to what happens next, but I can't say we will promise to act upon every comment and suggestion as they might not be practical or financially viable."

He added: "The process of regenerating Ealing is a long-term one.

"We recognise that there are problems in our other town centres and we are investing to improve them but the council has no power to direct where supermarkets open."

By.Mark Choueke