Major Southall Development Gets Green Light Despite Affordable Housing Concerns
A significant new residential development in West London has been granted planning permission, marking a substantial change for the Southall area. The project will see the demolition of a locally listed community centre to make way for a series of interconnected apartment blocks, the tallest of which will reach 22 storeys.
Details of the Approved Scheme
The development, located at 20 Merrick Road near Southall Elizabeth Line station, will comprise 215 flats across five connected blocks. The heights vary considerably, with the smallest element standing at six storeys and others reaching eight, ten, sixteen, and the flagship twenty-two storeys. The mix of apartments includes 20 studios, 90 one-bedroom units, 72 two-bedroom flats, and 33 three-bedroom homes, all featuring private balconies.
In a move towards sustainable transport, the scheme will be predominantly car-free, offering only four disabled parking bays but providing an impressive 405 cycle parking spaces for residents. The loss of the existing community centre's amenity space will be partially offset by new rooftop areas for those living in the development.
Affordable Housing Provision Falls Short
One of the most contentious aspects of the approval is the development's affordable housing provision, which falls significantly below local policy requirements. Ealing Council typically mandates that at least 35 per cent of new developments be designated as affordable housing, encompassing shared ownership, London affordable rent, and social rent options.
This scheme offers just 35 affordable homes, equating to only 16 per cent of the total units – a shortfall of 19 percentage points against council policy. Of these affordable flats, 26 will be available through shared ownership schemes, with just nine offered at London affordable rent levels. Notably, none will be available for social rent, though planning officers noted this arrangement was preferable to an alternative option offering only 27 affordable units.
Community Response and Planning Considerations
The decision follows considerable local debate, with 48 resident representations submitted during the consultation period. Supporters outnumbered objectors 26 to 22, with many arguing that the existing community centre site had become associated with antisocial behaviour, drug dealing, and fly-tipping problems.
Objections primarily focused on concerns about overdevelopment, with some residents describing the proposed buildings as potentially "visually oppressive." However, planning officers concluded that the benefits of the scheme – including new housing and significant Section 106 contributions – outweighed the harm caused by losing a locally listed building.
The developer has agreed to provide £1.4 million in Section 106 contributions to mitigate the development's impact on local infrastructure. These funds will support education, healthcare, and public realm improvements in the surrounding area.
Political Support and Next Steps
Within the Ealing Council Planning Committee, support for the development was particularly strong. The vote saw only two councillors opposing the plans, with one abstention and the remainder voting in favour, resulting in what was effectively a unanimous decision given the committee's composition.
With local approval secured, the application now moves to the Greater London Authority for final consideration. The Mayor of London will have the ultimate say on whether this transformative development for Southall proceeds to construction, bringing both new housing and significant change to the local streetscape.
