Campaigners have launched a crowdfunding appeal for a legal challenge against turning a popular green space in west London into a training centre for Queens Park Rangers.
The Save Warren Farm Campaign says building the ground on more than 60 acres of council-owned Metropolitan Open Land would not be environmentally friendly. Residents are looking to raise £15,000 to challenge the plans.
QPR football club, which was given a 200-year lease to develop Warren Farm last year, claims the move is “vitally important” for its future. The plans include a gym, medical area, changing facilities, a community pavilion and a controversial landfill scheme.
A statement from the campaign, which has raised more than £4,000 from nearly 90 backers, reads: “If this plan is allowed to go ahead unchallenged it will create a disturbing precedent where councils could dispose of public open space, in secret.”
The campaign’s solicitor Rheian Davies, of DH Law, added: “It is shocking that this public land has been given away with so little legal protection.
"Campaigners [cannot understand] why Ealing council have taken it upon themselves to be responsible for providing ‘free’ land for corporate development, over the needs of residents.”
Les Ferdinand, QPR’s director of football, previously said: “QPR takes pride in its local community and will ensure that bond is strengthened.”
Councillor Bassam Mahfouz said: “The agreement with QPR is an excellent deal for residents which will see the club invest millions into new facilities for the community.
"One of our priorities is to make Ealing a healthier place to live. It is disappointing that a judicial review has been made. We will continue to fight for these facilities.”
To donate visit the crowdfunding page.
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