Height changes to housing blocks at Smiths Farm, Kensington Road, Northolt

What was proposed

The application sought to change approved building heights while retaining 220 homes, public access, landscaping and the wider approved development.

“The application proposes a limited redistribution of building height across the approved development. Two elements of the approved scheme would reduce in height by one storey whilst two other elements would increase by one storey. The amendments are required to support the detailed fire safety design of the development and would reduce the maximum height from seven storey to six storeys.”

“The proposal would not increase the number of homes, alter the approved layout, reduce affordable housing provision, affect public access arrangements, or materially alter the approved landscaping and public realm strategy. The development would continue to provide 220 homes.”

Officer report

The site

The previously developed site lies in the Green Belt beside open land and Northala Fields, with a locally listed farmhouse and barns.

“Figure 3: Site Location The application site is located on the eastern side of Kensington Road some 60m south of the A40 and north of Horse Shoe Crescent. It comprises a 1.5 ha site formerly occupied by a two storey dwelling and a number of single storey commercial/industrial buildings, temporary structures and areas of hard surfacing. Previous uses included a lorry park, workshops, and storage of plant and construction equipment.”

“The site lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt. The adjoining open land to the north, east and west, including Northala Fields, is also within the Green Belt and designated as Public Open Space and a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). The site is allocated for residential development in the emerging Ealing Local Plan. There are no listed buildings within or near the site, but Smith's Farmhouse and associated outbuildings/barns are locally listed.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Permission for 220 homes and associated works was granted in 2024, followed by several amendments including affordable housing and site changes.

“There are several recent planning decisions on this site of general relevance to this proposal.”

“In May 2024 planning permission was granted (Ref: 231604FUL) for construction of 7 residential buildings to provide 220 residential units; conversion of existing farmhouse and barns to provide a cafe/commercial unit and improved public access between Northala Fields and Marnham Fields with associated enhanced landscaping, parking and refuse storage.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

No nearby residents made representations, and consultees either raised no objection, had no comment or gave no response.

“Site notices were posted on 18/02/2026 with a statutory expiry date of 11/03/2026. No representations were received from nearby residents or occupiers.”

“Northolt Residents Association & Social Club - No response.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A planning officer presented the application, with the head of development management helping answer committee questions; there were no public speakers.

Committee questions

Members asked about building control, parking, building safety gateways, construction progress and how the revised heights affected daylight and sunlight.

“The Section 106 agreement allowed funding for a review of car parking and on street parking controls around the site, which was to be carried out to consider whether any new controlled parking zones would be needed. There was also a parking management plan to be submitted and implemented by the developer.”

“Building Safety Gateways were a slightly different process which was related to the height of the buildings; there were certain gateways that needed to be tested through the Building Safety Regulator, (part of the Health and Safety Executive), to make sure that they complied with the newer standards, etc.”

Minutes

The vote

There was no debate, and the committee voted unanimously to grant the application.

“There was no debate on this application, and the Committee proceeded to the vote.”

“That for the reasons set out in the committee report, planning permission for application REF 260379VAR be GRANTED subject to:”

Minutes